Temporalis muscle

Overview
The temporalis muscle is one of the muscles of mastication.

Structure
It arises from the temporal fossa and the deep part of temporal fascia. It passes medial to the zygomatic arch and inserts onto the coronoid process of the mandible.

The temporalis muscle is covered by the temporal fascia, also known as the temporal aponeurosis.

The muscle can be felt if one places their fingers on their temples (on the sides of their head, just behind the eyebrows), while clenching and unclenching their teeth.

Innervation
As with the other muscles of mastication, control of the temporalis muscle comes from the third (mandibular) branch of the trigeminal nerve. Specifically, the temporalis is innervated by the deep temporal nerves.

Actions
Contraction of the temporalis muscle elevates the mandible. The somewhat horizontal fibers of the posterior part of the muscle retract the mandible.