Origin
It arises from the maxilla and the zygomatic arch.
Insertion
Mandible
Blood supply
Masseteric artery.
Nerve supply
Mandibular nerve.
Action
Muscle helps to close the mouth by raising the lower jaw.
Disease/Injury
When the masseter muscle is dysfunctional, it leads to temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder. It causes headaches, jaw pain and difficulty in eating and moving the jaw.
Exercise
To relieve TMJ, you can perform jaw rotations. Move your jaw forward and backward, then from side to side and then clockwise and anticlockwise. Repeat each movement 5 times.
Interesting facts
This is one of the strongest muscles of the body. The masseter directs the jaw while chewing and biting food.
