What muscles are associated with the TMJ?

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What muscles are associated with the TMJ?

The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is the hinge joint that connects the jaw to the skull, and several muscles are associated with its movement and function. These muscles are responsible for the movements of the jaw, including opening, closing, and side-to-side movements, as well as chewing and speaking. The primary muscles associated with the TMJ include:

1. Masseter

Function: The masseter is one of the strongest muscles in the body and plays a key role in chewing. It elevates the mandible (jawbone), helping to close the jaw.
Location: It is located on the side of the face, originating from the zygomatic arch (cheekbone) and inserting into the lower mandible (jawbone).

2. Temporalis

Function: The temporalis muscle assists in elevating and retracting the mandible, which is important for closing the jaw and pulling it backward.
Location: This fan-shaped muscle covers the temporal bone of the skull, extending from the side of the skull down to the coronoid process of the mandible.

3. Medial Pterygoid

Function: The medial pterygoid assists in elevating the mandible and contributes to side-to-side (lateral) jaw movements, which are important for grinding food during chewing.
Location: It is located on the inner surface of the mandible and runs parallel to the masseter, originating from the pterygoid plate of the sphenoid bone.

4. Lateral Pterygoid

Function: The lateral pterygoid is responsible for opening the jaw, as well as protruding (pushing forward) and moving the mandible side-to-side. It works together with the medial pterygoid to help with the grinding motion during chewing.
Location: This muscle originates from the sphenoid bone and attaches to the neck of the mandible and the TMJ disc. It has two heads: superior and inferior.

5. Digastric Muscle (Anterior Belly)

Function: The digastric muscle helps in opening the mouth by depressing the mandible. It also assists in elevating the hyoid bone during swallowing and speech.
Location: It runs from the mandible to the hyoid bone in the neck. The anterior belly of the digastric is most closely associated with TMJ function.

6. Mylohyoid

Function: The mylohyoid muscle helps in opening the jaw by depressing the mandible and assists in elevating the tongue and floor of the mouth during swallowing.
Location: It spans the floor of the mouth, running from the mandible to the hyoid bone.

7. Geniohyoid

Function: Similar to the digastric and mylohyoid muscles, the geniohyoid aids in depressing the mandible (opening the jaw) and elevating the hyoid bone during swallowing.
Location: This small muscle is located above the mylohyoid, running from the chin to the hyoid bone.

Summary of TMJ Muscle Functions:

Elevation of the jaw (closing the mouth): Masseter, temporalis, medial pterygoid.
Depression of the jaw (opening the mouth): Lateral pterygoid, digastric, mylohyoid, geniohyoid.
Protrusion (moving the jaw forward): Lateral pterygoid.
Retraction (pulling the jaw backward): Temporalis (posterior fibers).
Lateral movements (side-to-side): Lateral and medial pterygoid.

These muscles work together to control the complex movements of the jaw required for speaking, chewing, and other functions associated with the TMJ. Dysfunction or tension in any of these muscles can contribute to TMJ disorders, which may cause pain, clicking, or limited movement in the jaw.

The TMJ No More