The masseter is one of the muscles of mastication

. It is a powerful superficial quadrangular muscle originating from the zygomatic arch and inserts along the angle and lateral surface of the mandibular ramus. The masseter is primarily responsible for the elevation of the mandible and some protraction of the mandible.

Where do jaw muscles attach?

The four main muscles of mastication originate from the surface of the skull and they attach onto the rami of the mandible at the TMJ. The movement performed by these muscles are elevation, depression, protrusion, retraction, and side to side movement.

Where does the temporalis muscle attach?

The temporalis muscle attaches above to the bone and fascia in the temporal fossa, superior to the zygomatic arch, and below to the coronoid process of the mandible and along the mandibular ramus (Figure 6-17).