Musculus temporalis
The temporal muscle is a powerful jaw-closing muscle that fills the temporal fossa. It originates from the temporal fossa of the parietal and frontal bones and inserts on the coronoid process of the mandible. Its action is to close the jaw (elevate the mandible). It is innervated by the mandibular branch of the trigeminal nerve (cranial nerve V3). It is smaller in horses than in carnivores because of the horse's lateral grinding mastication. It works with the masseter to close the jaw.
Origin: Temporal fossa of parietal and frontal bones
Insertion: Coronoid process of the mandible
Action: Closes the jaw (elevates the mandible)
Innervation: Mandibular branch of trigeminal nerve (CN V3)
Isolated injury is uncommon. Relevant in evaluations of masticatory function and temporomandibular joint disease.
## Overview Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction is inflammation or misalignment of the jaw joint. It causes reluctance to chew, quidding, head tossing, resistance to the bit, tenderness over th
## Overview Chronic dental pain leads to disuse atrophy of the temporalis muscle, visible as hollowing above the eye. Other signs include weight loss, slow chewing, and undigested forage in the manur
Difficulty chewing or facial swelling should be evaluated. Regular dental care supports normal mastication.
## Overview Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction is inflammation or misalignment of the jaw joint. It causes reluctance to chew, quidding, head tossing, resistance to the bit, tenderness over the temporal fossa, and visible muscle wasting above the eye. Dental problems or poor bitting often contribute. ## Causes Dental disease, trauma, or bit-related pressure. ## Diagnosis Palpation, dental examination, and sometimes radiographs or computed tomography of the TMJ. ## Treatment Correct dental issues, adjust bitting, anti-inflammatories, and physiotherapy. Injections are used in some cases. ## Recovery and Prognosis Good when the underlying cause is addressed. ## Prevention Regular dental care and appropriate bit fit. Signs include: reluctance to chew; quidding; head tossing; resistance to the bit; tenderness over the temporal fossa; muscle wasting above the eye
## Overview Chronic dental pain leads to disuse atrophy of the temporalis muscle, visible as hollowing above the eye. Other signs include weight loss, slow chewing, and undigested forage in the manure. Correcting the dental problem allows gradual muscle recovery. ## Causes Chronic dental disease causing reduced chewing. ## Diagnosis Visual hollowing plus oral examination. ## Treatment Dental correction. Muscle rebuilds with resumed normal chewing. ## Recovery and Prognosis Good once dental pain is resolved. ## Prevention Regular dental care. Signs include: visible hollowing above the eye; weight loss; slow chewing; undigested forage in manure
Isolated injury is uncommon. Relevant in evaluations of masticatory function and temporomandibular joint disease.
Difficulty chewing or facial swelling should be evaluated. Regular dental care supports normal mastication.
See the Temporal Muscle on our interactive 3D horse model. Open 3D Model