Unduly extensive mandibular insertion of temporalis muscle: A case report

Anomalous extensive attachment of temporalis muscle covering the mandibular incisure is rarely reported in literature. Such variations of temporalis muscle are of immense significance in operative procedures of maxillo-facial region, utilization of temporalis muscle fl ap and accurate interpretation of radiographs.

Dissection of the head and neck region during the course of undergraduate teaching programme revealed unduly extensive attachment of temporalis muscle fibres in the left side in an adult Indian male cadaver. The temporal and infra-temporal regions were carefully dissected to delineate the temporalis muscle with special emphasis on the branches of maxillary artery and mandibular nerve. The morphological details of the temporalis muscle were recorded and appropriate photographs taken.

The mandibular notch was 3.1 cm wide. The extra fleshy fibres of the temporalis muscle completely occupied the mandibular notch and further descended for insertion onto the coronoid process, and external and internal surfaces of the ramus of mandible. The masseteric nerves and vessels pierced the anomalous fibres of temporalis muscle in the mandibular notch.

The present study highlights the morphological details of an unduly extensive attachment of temporalis muscle and discusses its importance in reconstructive procedures of maxillo-facial region. Detailed information of the variations of temporalis muscle is also important in accurate interpretation of modern imaging procedures.