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Pars superficialis
Muscle parts
Superficial part; Deep part
Latin name
Musculus masseter
Latin muscle parts
Pars superficialis; Pars profunda
Group
Branchial arch muscle – first arch (Masticatory muscle)
Etymology
The English name for this muscle is the chewer muscle. This is an ancient term that can be traced back to Hippocrates. It comes from the Greek masasthai meaning to chew.
Origin
Maxillary process of zygomatic bone and inferior margin and medial surface of the zygomatic arch
Insertion
Angle, ramus, and lateral surface of the coronoid process of the mandible
Action
Elevates the mandible
Nerve supply
Mandibular branch of trigeminal nerve (Cranial nerve V)
Blood supply
Muscular branches from the facial artery, masseteric branches of the transverse facial artery, and masseteric branch of the second part of the maxillary artery.