Skip to main content
Glite Dictionary
musculus temporalis

musculus temporalis

7.4
A large muscle on the side of the head that lifts the lower jaw to close the mouth
  • noun
  • /ˈmʌskjʊləs tɛmˈpɔrəlɪs/
  • Specialized
translation icon : músculo temporal
  • The musculus temporalis plays a crucial role in chewing by elevating the mandible.

Examples

  • Damage to the musculus temporalis can result in difficulty closing the mouth.

  • Can you feel the musculus temporalis when you clench your jaw?

  • During surgery, the musculus temporalis is sometimes used for reconstructive procedures in the jaw area.

  • The musculus temporalis is essential for chewing.

  • The musculus temporalis helps lift the jaw when you eat, making it essential for chewing food.

  • When the musculus temporalis contracts, it closes the mouth and allows us to grind our meals.

  • Physical therapy can strengthen the musculus temporalis to improve jaw function after an injury.

Synonyms

temporalis
vsmusculus temporalis
  • Specialized
1 9.0

A broad fan-shaped muscle on the side of the head above the ear that helps close the jaw

is focused on exact anatomical location and function rather than casual wording
temporalis muscle
vsmusculus temporalis
  • Specialized
7.0

A large fan-shaped muscle on the side of the head that helps raise and close the lower jaw

is the general shape and action description without detailed origin and insertion
temporal muscle
vsmusculus temporalis
  • Specialized
6.3

A broad muscle on the side of the head that lifts the lower jaw to close the mouth

is the more detailed fan-shaped description emphasising both sides and mouth closure

Surface Forms

musculus temporalis singular
musculi temporales plural

Morphology

musculus + temporalis

The term is transparently compositional: 'musculus' denotes a muscle and 'temporalis' specifies the particular (temporal/chewing) muscle, so the overall meaning — the temporalis muscle that closes the jaw — is directly derivable from the parts. Although the phrase is technical and Latin-derived, the constituents (and common cognates like 'muscle' and 'temporal') make the meaning predictable to a learner who knows both words.

Etymology

Musculus temporalis comes from Latin: musculus means 'little mouse' and temporalis means 'temple', the side of the head. One popular image says that when you bite down the muscle at your temple looks like a small mouse moving under the skin, so the name helps you remember this muscle that moves the lower jaw and helps you chew.