The Masseter: Learn About the Strongest Muscle in the Body
Table of Contents
What Is The Masseter
Do you know what the strongest muscle in the body is? You probably wouldn’t assume that it is located in the jaw! The Masseter is the strongest muscle in the body based on its weight. The Masseter helps us to close and clench our teeth together with great force!
The Masseter muscle is roughly the shape of a small rectangle and runs vertically from the cheek to the bottom of the jaw. There are two sections of the Masseter muscle, a superficial and deep section.
Masseter Muscle & Cadaver
Masseter Function
The primary function of the Masseter muscle is to elevate (close) the jaw. The Masseter muscle is also responsible for protrusion of the jaw, which means to move the mandible forwards.
Masseter Origin And Insertion
Masseter Origin
The Superficial part of the Masseter muscle originates from the Maxillary Process and the anterior 2/3 of the Inferior Border of the Zygomatic Arch. The origin of the Deep section of the Masseter arises from the posterior 1/3 of the inferior surface of the Zygomatic Arch.
Masseter Insertion
The Masseter muscle inserts into the Lateral Surface of the Ramus and the Angle of the Mandible.
Masseter Innervation
The Masseter muscle is innervated by a branch of the Mandibular Nerve.
Masseter Muscle Pain
Masseter muscle pain is not uncommon, and can have a few different causes. When the Masseter muscle becomes inflamed or fatigued, pain can set in and be referred to the eyebrows or even the teeth. As well, the Masseter muscle can be overused from consistent grinding of the teeth or clenching of the jaw. This can lead to Masseter Hypertrophy and headaches. Gentle massaging of the face right underneath the lateral cheekbone can help to reduce pain.
Masseter Muscle Prominence
Masseter Muscle Prominence simply refers to the amount of hypertrophy that has occurred to the Masseter. The more prominent the Masseter muscle is, the larger and more defined the muscle will be. To identify is the Masseter is prominent, look at the area between the earlobes and the mandibular angle. Those with a prominent Masseter will have a wide square lower facial shape.
Masseter Hypertrophy
Masseter Hypertrophy can occur bilaterally or unilaterally. This is when the Masseter increases in size, usually in people who clench the jaw or grind their teeth. For some, Masseter Hypertrophy is simply genetic. After an appropriate diagnosis is made by your doctor, and serious pathologies are eliminated, treatment for Masseter Hypertrophy involves a Masseter Reduction. This Masseter Reduction is usually for cosmetic reasons.
Masseter Reduction
A Masseter Reduction can be a surgical procedure or non-surgical procedure in which a section of the Masseter muscle is removed or there is an injection into the Masseter. The purpose of these procedures is usually cosmetic, or to slim down the jawline as a result of an enlarged Masseter muscle from extra exercise. The Masseter can get extra exercise from those who clench the jaw and grind their teeth during the night.
Masseter Action
The Masseter muscle is involved in a few different movements such as,
Talking
Eating
Closing the mouth
Grinding teeth
Clenching the jaw
Masseter Spasm
Sometimes when a patient is being intubated through the trachea, the Masseter muscle will spasm and mandible will close. A Masseter Spasm can also occur as a side effect of Suxamethonium, a muscle relaxant used during intubation and Succinylcholine. Spasm of the Masseter is also related to Malignant Hypothermia.
Masseter Stretch
To stretch the Masseter, look straight ahead and open your mouth. Place your index and middle finger against the inside of the teeth in the front of the lower jaw. Use your fingers to gently apply pressure downwards. Next slowly tilt the head back to look up just slightly as you maintain the downwards pressure. Hold this position for 30 sections to stretch the Masseter muscle.
Masseter Exercise
Slowly open the mouth as wide as you can. Take turns opening and closing the mouth while looking straight ahead. Repeat this movement for 3 sets of 10 reps.
To progress this exercise, try adding resistance by using your fingers to hold the bottom of your chin as you open and close the mouth.
