Research Article
The human masseter muscle revisited: First description of its coronoid part

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.aanat.2021.151879Get rights and content
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Highlights

  • The anatomy of the deep masseter is less clear than presented in textbooks.

  • We provide evidence of a third layer, attached at the mandible’s coronoid process.

  • It is in a position to stabilize and retract the anterior-superior part of the mandible.

Abstract

Introduction

The masseter muscle is considered to be bilayered, consisting of a superficial and a deep part. However, a few historical texts mention the possible existence of a third layer as well, but they are extremely inconsistent as to its position. Here we performed an anatomical study to clarify the presence and morphological characteristics of a distinct third layer of the masseter muscle.

Materials and methods

We dissected 12 formaldehyde-fixed human cadaver heads, analysed CTs of 16 fresh cadavers, evaluated MR data from one living subject and examined histological sections using methyl methacrylate embedding of one formaldehyde-preserved head.

Results

An anatomically distinct, deep third layer of the masseter muscle was consistently demonstrated, running from the medial surface of the zygomatic process of the temporal bone to the root and posterior margin of the coronoid process. Ours is the first detailed description of this part of the masseter muscle.

Conclusions

To facilitate discussion of this newly described part of the masseter, we recommend the name M. masseter pars coronoidea (coronoid part of the masseter) as a further reference. The arrangement of its muscle fibers suggest it being involved in stabilising the mandible by elevating and retracting the coronoid process.

Keywords

Masticatory muscles
Masseter muscle
Anatomy and histology
3D-reconstruction
Methylmethacrylate embedding

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