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Functional organization of the human masseter muscle
J F Gaudy1, A Zouaoui, P Bravetti
1Institut d'Anatomie, U.F.R. Biomédicale des Saints-Pères, Paris V, 45, rue des Saints-Pères, F-75270 Paris, France.
Surgical and Radiologic Anatomy : SRA
|January 6, 2001
Summary
This study reveals the detailed architecture of human jaw elevator muscles, including the masseter, temporalis, and pterygoid muscles. Findings show a pennate structure in the masseter, with distinct layers and orientations crucial for jaw function.
Area of Science:
- Anatomy
- Biomechanics
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Understanding the architecture of masticatory muscles is essential for diagnosing and treating temporomandibular joint disorders.
- Previous studies have provided limited detail on the specific layered structure and fiber orientation of the human masseter muscle.
Purpose of the Study:
- To define the architectural organization of the human masseter, temporalis, and pterygoid muscles.
- To elucidate the layered structure and fiber orientation of the masseter muscle using anatomical dissection and MRI.
Main Methods:
- Anatomical dissection of 169 human cadavers.
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to visualize muscle architecture.
- Analysis of musculoaponeurotic layers and their spatial orientation relative to the occlusal plane.
Main Results:
- The masseter muscle exhibits a pennate structure with alternating musculoaponeurotic layers.
- Three distinct parts of the masseter were identified: superficial, intermediate, and deep.
- Specific orientations of musculoaponeurotic layers were quantified for each part of the masseter muscle, confirmed by MRI.
Conclusions:
- The human masseter muscle possesses a complex, layered pennate architecture.
- This detailed architectural understanding is vital for fields like dentistry, orthodontics, and surgical planning.
- MRI effectively confirms the anatomical findings regarding masseter muscle structure.