Muscle of Chewing (Masseter)

The Masseter muscle is one of the most important muscles in our body, playing a key role in the digestion process. It is located in the cheek area and belongs to the group of masticatory muscles that help us chew and grind food.

The Masseter muscle starts from the zygomatic arch and is attached to the outer corner of the lower jaw. It is shaped like a parallelogram and is up to 2.5 cm thick. This muscle has two main layers, superficial and deep, which work together to ensure efficient chewing of food.

The main function of the Masseter muscle is to compress and close the jaws, which allows us to grind food before it enters the stomach. In addition, this muscle is often used for speaking and pronouncing sounds.

However, the presence of excess tension in the Masseter muscle can lead to a number of problems such as pain in the face, neck and head, as well as dental problems. Some people may experience cheekbone tenderness, swelling, and even difficulty opening their mouth. In this case, you need to see a doctor and comprehensive treatment.

In conclusion, the Masseter muscle plays an important role in our lives and allows us to enjoy food. However, its health and proper functioning are equally important to our overall well-being. If you are having problems with this muscle, contact your doctor for professional help.



The chewing muscle (lat. Musculus masseter) is a thick chewing muscle. It starts from the zygomatic arch, passes through the temporal fossa and attaches to the outer corner of the lower jaw. This muscle plays an important role when chewing food, as it is responsible for closing the jaws and ensuring even distribution of the load on the teeth.

The masseter muscle consists of two parts: external and internal. The outer part starts from the zygomatic arch on the upper jaw and passes through the temporal fossa. The inner part begins from the medial surface of the external auditory canal on the lower jaw and is attached to the outer part of the masseter muscle. Both parts of the muscle are connected to each other by a tendon.

The function of the masseter muscle is to ensure that the teeth are compressed evenly and forcefully during chewing. At the same time, the muscle contracts and moves the lower jaw forward. In addition, the masseter muscle is involved in the formation of speech and helps to speak clearly and clearly.

However, if the masticatory muscle is used incorrectly, a number of problems can arise. For example, if you constantly chew hard foods or have an incorrect bite, the masseter muscle can become too tight, which can lead to it stretching or even tearing. Also, chewing too hard can damage your teeth and gums.

To prevent problems with the masticatory muscle, it is necessary to monitor the correct bite and chew food only in accordance with its properties. If you notice any problems with your chewing muscles, it is recommended that you contact your dentist for advice and treatment.