In the human body there is a huge amount of muscle (about 640). All of them have a different structure, purpose and location. Previously, scientists compiled atlases on anatomy, which contain descriptions and images of muscular structures.
Thanks to the muscles of the body, a person is able to move, breathe. The skull also has the most important mechanisms that provide facial expressions and jaw movements.
The temporal muscle is actively included in the motor processes of the face. She also plays a crucial role in chewing food.
Anatomical location
The temporal muscle (musculus temporalis) is located on the skull on both sides, occupies a completely temporal cavity. It belongs to the head muscle group, is attached along the so-called temporal line, passing through three structures:
- frontal bone (temporal margin);
- parietal (it is sometimes called "temporal-parietal muscle");
- temporal (scaly part);
- wedge-shaped (large wing surface).
To feel this muscle yourself, just rub your temporal region with your fingers. She seems to “line” this zone, it is precisely her that we often three with headaches.
Appearance
In its configuration, the temporal muscle resembles a fan. Individual bundles go down and connect into a single tendon structure attached to the lower jaw (to the coronoid process).
If you look closely, you can see that the front bundles of the temporal muscle attached to the frontal bone are located almost vertically. Medium, with fixation on the sphenoid bone, are directed diagonally. And the back, related to the temporal bone, lie horizontally.
The main difference between the skull muscles and the others in the human body is the absence of a fascial bag (except for the buccal). That is, the fibers do not "lie" in a special film "case", but are attached directly to the bones and are partially woven into the skin layers.
How the muscle functions
With strong compression of the jaws, you can palpate under the skin, as the fibers contract. The temporal muscle (as a whole) does the work by lifting the lower jaw.
The posterior horizontal fibers function by pushing the jaw extended forward. If you perform such a movement, then the work of the beams is felt over the ear.
The temporal muscle is directly involved in the process of chewing food. That is, she is responsible for almost all movements of the lower jaw.
It should be noted the importance of the mimic effect of the temporal muscle. With severe fatigue, lack of sleep, a characteristic “sagging” mask appears in a person. Since the temporal muscle of the head also tightens the oval of the face, its hypotension just manifests itself in a haggard appearance and the possible formation of wrinkles.
About synergists and antagonists
Since no structure in a living organism exists by itself, any muscle should be considered in combination with others. Not an exception - the function of the temporal muscles, synergists or antagonists are in constant complex interaction with each other.
Synergists are called muscle structures that are included in the work at the same time. That is, none of the muscles can function in isolation.
Antagonists are muscles that perform the opposite function for a particular muscle, for the temporal muscle it is subcutaneous. They seem to work as a counterweight.
A striking example in the human body: biceps - triceps. When one muscle contracts, its antagonist is stretched at this time, and then they change places.
Often synergists and antagonists are perceived as a single whole, a certain mechanism that establishes a general balance in the human body. Their work is also taken into account in bodybuilding.
Qualified trainers and athletes build a training system in such a way that there is no "advantage" in one direction or another and the body looks harmonious.
Chewing muscles
A great example of the coexistence of antagonists and synergists is chewing muscles. In total, it includes four muscles, we will consider which ones:
- chewing - short, powerful, stretches from the zygomatic arch to the lower jaw, consists of a surface layer and a deep layer;
- medial - due to it the lower jaw is able to move in lateral directions;
- lateral - similar to the previous one, also moves the jaw to the sides;
- temporal muscle - provides actions "back" and "up".
We can conclude that the above facial muscles provide a vital function - chewing food. Their work should ideally be harmonious and harmonious.
With impaired functions of one of the muscles, unpleasant consequences can occur. Such as: asymmetry of the face, characteristic clicks in the TMJ (temporomandibular joint), as well as a feeling of tension.
Pain
It is interesting to understand the question: for various kinds of pain, what is the function of the temporal muscles, synergists or antagonists (the answer often depends on them) are guilty of their origin?
There are several problems that make a person go to the doctors or resort to medicines:
- Headache. It can occur with spasm, contraction, then there are characteristic sensations in the temporal muscle area, in which massage with fingertips, with rubbing and pressing is necessary. It is done in the area above the ears, at a distance of about 2.5 cm. In this case, the tension in the muscle decreases and the headache can be reduced.
- The areas of stress are trigger points. They are formed with a sharp contraction of individual muscle fibers. The tension zones during palpation are felt like cords or seals on a common flat muscular canvas. As a rule, they are located the same way, 2.5 cm above the ear. There can be several pain points, when they are detected, it is necessary to do point pressure until the problem zone disappears completely and the pain in it.
- Toothache. Sometimes a person is forced to consult a dentist, although he does not have any visible problems of this kind. As a rule, the doctor also does not find her, although the complaint is about pain in the molars of the upper jaw. This kind of trouble can also be caused by the presence of trigger points and contractions of the fibers of the temporal muscle.
Self massage
In many cases, the function of the temporal muscles is restored as a result of proper manipulations. Any person can independently perform self-massage and stretching (if there are problems).
You need to massage two zones in parallel or separately on both sides of the skull. To do this, you need to take a comfortable pose, sit down, slightly tilting your head. The fingers of both hands should be placed on a line above the ears and kneading, moving up and down.
When feeling for a pain point or tight cord, you need to work out this area more carefully. You can press with one finger with effort (moderate, lasting up to 10 seconds) until the discomfort disappears.
Sprain
Tip: you should eradicate the habit of clenching your teeth, chewing gum. This will eliminate many problems associated with the function of the temporal muscles and TMJ.
Stretching the temporal muscle is done as follows. Fingers are also set above the ears perpendicular to the direction of the fibers of the parietal zone. The mouth should be opened as wide as possible. Then, taking a deep breath, with your fingers you need to pull up the temporal muscle tissue and stay in this position for 5 seconds.
A similar stretch is best repeated 5-6 times. As a rule, this procedure relieves muscle cramps, clamps, relaxes the fibers. Sometimes in this way you can remove the head or "pseudo-dental" pain.