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Media hype: musculus sphenomandibularis
J C Türp1, T Cowley, C S Stohler
1Department of Biologic and Materials Sciences, School of Dentistry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor 48109-1078, USA.
Acta Anatomica
|January 1, 1997
Summary
The sphenomandibularis muscle, reported in 1996, is not a new discovery. Historical anatomical descriptions reveal it is actually the deep portion of the temporalis muscle.
Area of Science:
- Anatomy
- Craniomandibular Muscles
- Temporomandibular Joint Anatomy
Background:
- A 1996 report described a novel craniomandibular muscle, the 'sphenomandibularis'.
- This muscle was hypothesized to play a role in temporomandibular disorders and headaches, generating significant interest.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate whether previously published anatomical descriptions by Ramalho et al. (1978) and Zenker (1954-1956) refer to the same muscle as the 'sphenomandibularis'.
Main Methods:
- Comparative analysis of detailed anatomical descriptions from historical literature.
- Examination of descriptions by Ramalho et al. and Zenker in relation to the 'sphenomandibularis'.
Main Results:
- The 'sphenomandibularis' muscle is not a newly identified muscle.
- It corresponds to the medial or deep portion of the temporalis muscle, as described by Zenker and Ramalho et al., respectively.
- Further investigation traced descriptions of this muscle back to the 19th century.
Conclusions:
- The 'sphenomandibularis' is an older anatomical finding, not a novel one.
- Clarification of its identity resolves potential confusion regarding its role in temporomandibular disorders and headaches.