Inferior border of the anterior 2/3 of the zygomatic arch

Maxillary process of the zygomatic bone

Angle of mandible

Inferior and lateral parts of the mandibular ramus

Elevates mandible

Protrudes mandible (superficial head)

Aids in lateral excursion of the mandible

Masseteric branch from the anterior division of the mandibular division of the trigeminal n.

Superficial head’s fibers run posteroinferiorly

The parotid duct, transverse facial a., and branches of the facial n. pass superficially to the masseter m.

Some evidence suggests the presence of middle fibers, which corresponds to part of the traditionally described deep head of the masseter

Medial border of the zygomatic arch

Inferior border of the posterior 1/3 of the zygomatic arch

Superior and lateral mandibular ramus

Coronoid process

Elevates mandible

Retrudes mandible (posterior fibers)

Aids in lateral excursion of the mandible

Elevates mandible

Protrudes mandible

Lateral excursion of the mandible (side-to-side movements) (acting unilaterally, it causes the mandible to deviate to the contralateral side, rotating around axis created by contralateral condyle, which is important in grinding on ipsilateral side)

Medial pterygoid branch from the mandibular division of the trigeminal n. (main trunk before it divides into anterior and posterior divisions)

The deepest muscle of mastication

Forms the pterygomasseteric sling with the masseter

If anesthetic is injected into the medial pterygoid m. during an inferior alveolar nerve block, trismus will result

Maxillary tuberosity

Pyramidal process of the palatine

Anterior and medial portions of the articular disc

Capsule of the temporomandibular joint

Pterygoid fovea (upper portion)

Protrudes mandible

Depresses mandible (as result of protrusion)

Lateral excursion of the mandible (side-to-side movements) (acting unilaterally, it causes the mandible to deviate to the contralateral side, rotating around axis created by contralateral condyle, which is important in grinding on ipsilateral side)

Lateral pterygoid branches (for each head) from the anterior division of the mandibular division of the trigeminal n., which exits the foramen ovale, lying medial to the lateral pterygoid (often this innervation is observed to be a branch from the buccal branch of the trigeminal n.)

Maxillary a. runs either superficially or deep to it

Surrounded by the pterygoid venous plexus

Buccal branch of the trigeminal n. passes between the 2 heads

Arises posteriorly to the condylar neck of the mandible within the parotid gland

Exits the parotid gland and passes anteriorly between the condylar neck of the mandible and the sphenomandibular ligament within the infratemporal fossa

Takes a course that is either superficial or deep to the lateral pterygoid until reaching the pterygopalatine fossa via the pterygomaxillary fissure

Supplies the deep structures of the face and is divided into 3 parts as it passes medially through the infratemporal fossa:

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  1st part—mandibular

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  2nd part—pterygoid

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  3rd part—pterygopalatine

1st and 3rd parts do not supply the muscles of mastication

2nd part also feeds the buccinator m., which is not a muscle of mastication

Passes obliquely in an anterior and superior direction between the ramus of the mandible and insertion of the temporalis m.

Courses on the superficial surface of the lateral pterygoid m. to travel between the 2 heads of the muscle

Provides the muscular branches to the muscles of mastication and the buccinator m.

Gives rise to 5 branches: anterior and posterior deep temporal , masseteric , pterygoid , and buccal

Pass between the skull and the temporalis m.

Supply the temporalis throughout their course

While ascending, they anastomose with the middle temporal a. from the superficial temporal a.

Typically arises between the condylar neck of the mandible and the sphenomandibular lig.

Passes laterally through the mandibular notch with the nerve

Supplies the deep surface of the masseter

An irregular number of branches supply the medial and lateral pterygoids

A small artery that runs obliquely in an anterior direction between the medial pterygoid and the insertion of the temporalis m. until it reaches the outer surface of the buccinator, which it supplies

Occasionally a small lingual branch is observed, which accompanies the lingual nerve into the oral cavity

Passes deep into the temporalis fascia and temporalis m.

Anastomoses with the anterior and posterior deep temporal vessels

Passes transversely to exit the gland

Passes immediately superior to the parotid duct across the masseter m. and face, providing vascular supply along the way

An extensive network of veins that surrounds the pterygoid portion of the maxillary a.

Located partially between the lateral pterygoid and temporalis mm. and partially between the lateral and medial pterygoid mm.

Receives branches that correspond to branches of the maxillary a. (including inferior alveolar, anterior and posterior deep temporal, masseteric, buccal, pterygoid, middle meningeal, sphenopalatine, and infraorbital)

Tributaries of the pterygoid plexus eventually converge to form a short maxillary v.

Communicates with the cavernous sinus, pharyngeal venous plexus, facial v. via the deep facial v., and ophthalmic vv.

Formed by the convergence of the pterygoid plexus of veins

Is a short vein that parallels the 1st part of the maxillary a.

Passes posteriorly between the condylar neck and the sphenomandibular lig. into the parotid gland

In the parotid gland, it joins the superficial temporal v. to form the retromandibular v.

Arises from deep within the temporalis m. and fascia, where it anastomoses with the anterior and posterior deep temporal vessels

Joins the superficial temporal v. immediately before it passes inferiorly to the root of the zygomatic arch

Travels posteriorly to enter the parotid gland and join the superficial temporal v.

Join the pterygoid plexus of veins

Also communicate with the middle temporal v.