Innervation Patterns of the Canine Masticatory Muscles in Comparison to Human

The aim of this study was to clarify the nerve distribution of the masseter, temporalis, and zygomaticomandibularis (ZM) muscles to elucidate the phylogenetic traits of canine mastication. A detailed dissection was made of 15 hemisectioned heads of adult beagle dogs. The innervations of the masticatory nerve twigs exhibited a characteristic pattern and were classified into seven groups. Twig innervating the anterior portion of the temporalis (aTM) was defined as the anterior temporal nerve (ATN). Anterior twig of ATN branched from the buccal nerve and innervated only the aTM, whereas posterior twig of ATN innervated both of the aTM and deep layer of the tempolaris (dTM). From this and morphological observations, it was proposed that the action of the canine aTM is more independent than that of the human. The middle temporal nerve ran superoposteriorly within the dTM and superficial layer of the temporalis (sTM) innervating both of them, whereas the posterior temporal nerve innervated only the posterior region of the sTM. The masseteric nerve (MSN) innervated the ZM and the three layers of the masseter. Deep twig of MSN was also observed innervating sTM after entering the ZM in all cases. The major role played by the canine ZM might thus underlie the differential arrangement of the distribution of the masticatory nerve bundles in dogs and humans. Although the patterns of innervation to the canine and human masticatory muscles were somewhat similar, there were some differences that might be due to evolutionary adaptation to their respective feeding styles. Anat Rec, 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.     

Masticatory muscles of the great‐gray kangaroo (Macropus giganteus)

The great‐gray kangaroo (Macropus giganteus) belongs to the Diprotodontia suborder (herbivorous marsupials of Australia) of the order of marsupials. We dissected the masticatory muscles in the great‐gray kangaroo and classified them based on their innervation. Three (two male and one female) adult great‐gray kangaroos (M. giganteus), fixed with 10% formalin, were examined. The masseter muscle of the great‐gray kangaroo was classified into four layers (superficial layers 1, 2, 3, and a deep layer), all innervated by masseteric nerves. Layer 1 of the masseter muscle was well developed and the deep layer inserted into the masseteric canal. The zygomaticomandibular muscle, which belongs to both the masseter and temporalis muscles, was innervated by both the masseteric nerve and posterior deep temporal nerve, and the temporalis muscle was innervated by the anterior and posterior deep temporal nerves. The medial pterygoid muscle, which was innervated by the medial pterygoid nerve, was divided into superficial and deep portions. The lateral pterygoid muscle was divided into superior and inferior heads by the buccal nerve. We propose that the relationship of the masticatory muscles in the kangaroo has evolved by passive anterior invasion of the deep layer of the masseter by the medial pterygoid muscle via the masseteric canal, associated with the development of an anteroposterior mode of mastication. Anat Rec 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.     

Organization of neuronal clusters in the mesencephalic trigeminal nucleus of the rat: fluorescent tracing of temporalis and masseteric primary afferents

The organization of neuronal clusters in the rat mesencephalic trigeminal nucleus (Mes V) was analysed using fluorescent tracing techniques. Simultaneous injections of fluorescent compounds (True blue and Diamidino yellow) were made unilaterally in the masseter and temporalis muscle, or in the masseteric and temporalis nerve. Examination of labeled neurons in frozen brainstem sections showed that (1) the arrangement of temporalis and masseteric primary afferent neurons in the mesencephalic trigeminal nucleus is not somatotopic; (2) primary afferent neurons of both muscles are located at all rostrocaudal levels; and (3) clustering of temporalis, of temporalis and masseteric, and of masseretic afferent neurons occurs at all levels throughout the nucleus.     

Positional relationships between the masticatory muscles and their innervating nerves with special reference to the masseter and zygomaticomandibularis in Suncus murinus

In the present study, we investigated the structure and nerve innervation of the masseter, temporalis and zygomaticomandibularis of Suncus murinus which has no zygomatic arch. Detailed dissection of eight head halves of four S. murinus was performed. In S. murinus, small muscle bundle was observed to be adjoined with the lateral surface of the temporalis. This muscle bundle was completely separated from the masseter. Based on the positional relationships between the muscle bundle and supplying nerves, we conducted that the bundle corresponded to the zygomaticomandibularis of human described in our previous study (Shimokawa et al., 1999). In addition, some differences in the nerve distribution to the masticatory muscles were observed in S. murinus as compared with humans with respect to the following points: 1) The additional supplying branch to the masseter originated from the auriculo-temporal nerve: 2) The common trunk of the masseteric nerve and the nerve to the posterior part of the temporalis penetrated the superior head of the lateral pterygoid. A possible model to account for these differences based on the positional relationships among the muscles and supplying nerves is presented.     

Lamination of the masticatory muscles in the kangaroo according to their innervation

An analysis of the laminations of the masseteric, zygomaticomandibular and temporalis muscles of the Red Kangaroo (Macropus Rufus) and all of the masticatory muscles of the Eastern Gray Kangaroo (Macropus Giganteus) was carried out based on their innervation. The masseteric muscle was divided into superficial and deep layers; the superficial layer was further subdivided into three laminae from the rostro-lateral portion to caudo-internal portion. The deep layer was divided into lateral, caudo-internal and rostro-internal laminae. The zygomaticomandibular muscle which was located between the masseteric and temporal muscles was divided into lateral, internal and rostral laminae, on the basis of its innervation. The lateral and internal laminae were innervated by the nerve which arises between the masseteric nerve and the posterior deep temporal nerve. A small rostral portion of the muscle was innervated by masseteric nerves, which passed through the internal lamina of the deep layer of the masseteric muscle. The temporalis muscle was innervated by an anterior deep temporal nerve and posterior deep temporal nerve. Only the most rostro-internal lamina of the temporalis muscle was innervated by the anterior deep temporal nerve. The anterior deep temporal nerve and lateral pterygoid nerve had a common trunk. We believe that the rostro-internal lamina was closely related to the lateral pterygoid muscle. The lateral pterygoid muscle displayed one lamina, whereas the medial pterygoid muscle was divided into internal and lateral laminae. The lateral lamina was further divided into rostro-internal and caudo-lateral laminae.     

Effect of clenching levels on heteronymous H-reflex in human temporalis muscle

 Selective stimulation of the masseteric nerve has been shown to elicit a heteronymous H-reflex in the ipsilateral temporalis muscle during voluntary clenching. However, the relation between the electromyographic (EMG) activity of the temporalis muscle and the amplitude of the H-reflex has not been previously described. In the present study, the hypothesis was tested that there would be a positive relationship between the level of EMG activity and the amplitude of the H-reflex. The direct motor response (M-response) in the masseter muscle and the heteronymous H-reflex in the anterior temporalis muscle were successfully elicited by electrical stimulation of the masseteric nerve in 12 of 13 subjects. A new automatic system was used to control the on-line EMG activity and to trigger the stimulus. In a random order, two series of 20 stimuli were delivered at each of four clenching levels (0, 25, 50, and 75% of maximal voluntary contraction). The analysis showed that both the masseteric M-response and the temporalis H-reflex were reproducible within and between series. The amplitude of the temporalis H-reflex increased significantly at higher clenching levels (ANOVA: P=0.003). Clenching at 50% and 75% of the maximal voluntary contraction caused significantly larger amplitudes of the H-reflex than clenching at 25% of the maximal voluntary contraction; at rest, no H-reflex could be recorded. There was a significant correlation between the background EMG activity in the ipsilateral temporalis muscle and the amplitude of the H-reflex (Pearson: r=0.313, P=0.008). These data indicate that the heteronymous H-reflex can be reliably elicited by means of an automatic system for stimulus delivery and that the amplitude of the H-reflex is dependent on the preceding activity of the motoneuron pool. Received: 27 November 1998 / Accepted: 16 February 1999     

H-reflexes in masseter and temporalis muscles in man

In contrast with limb muscles, studies on H-reflexes in the trigeminal system are scarce. The present report aimed at reevaluating the responses obtained in the masseter and temporalis muscles after electrical stimulation of their nerves. Twenty-four subjects participated in the experiments. The reflexes were elicited in the masseter and temporal muscles by monopolar stimulation and recorded using surface electrodes. Stimulation of the masseteric nerve evoked an M-response in the masseter and an H-reflex in both the masseter and the temporal muscles. In contrast with the masseter muscle, where the homonymous H-reflex disappeared at higher stimulation intensities, the heteronymous temporal H-reflex remained and reached a plateau. Simultaneous stimulation of the masseteric and deep temporal nerves resulted in an M-response and an H-reflex in both the masseter and temporal muscles. Increasing stimulus intensitites led to disappearance of the H-reflex in both muscles. The results were compared with those obtained by others on limb muscles. As in these muscles, the presence of heteronymous H-reflexes in the jaw muscles can be used in future studies of motoneuronal excitability.     

Masseteric nerve: A possible donor for facial nerve anastomosis?

In the medical treatment of facial nerve paralysis a large number of different techniques have been developed to restore the function of the facial nerve. These include (a) the ipsilateral nerve grafting (e.g., partial hypoglossal-facial, spinal accessory-facial, partial glossopharyngeal-facial), (b) crossfacial nerve grafting and (c) temporal muscle flaps or even free muscle transfers. None of these techniques uses the masseteric nerve as a graft for reconstruction of the facial nerve. This preliminary report deals with the anatomical basis, which could lead to a new technique. The masseteric nerve leaves the infratemporal fossa through the mandibular notch, accompanied by the masseteric artery. At this level the nerve consists in nine of 36 cases studied of only one branch (25.0%), in 17 cases of two branches (47.0%), in nine cases of three (25.0%), and in the remaining case of four branches (2.8%). There are three main reasons for considering the masseteric nerve as a possible donor for at least the orbicular branch of the facial nerve: (1) The approach to the mandibular notch is quite simple; (2) since the nerve consists of two or more branches in 75.0% of the cases, severe dysfunction of the masseter muscle should not occur; (3) if there is complete denervation of the masseter muscle, its function may be taken over by the temporalis muscle. Clin. Anat. 11:396–400, 1998. © 1998 Wiley-Liss, Inc.     

Arterial supply to the masseter muscle in the rat

Eighteen rats (thirty-six sides) were injected with red latex into the peripheral arteries through the left ventricle in the heart and fixed in 10% formalin to demonstrate the arterial architecture. According to the method of Yoshikawa et al. who proposed the lamination theory of this muscle, the latex injected specimens were dissected under a stereoscopic microscope. The masseter muscle in the rat was distributed by the masseteric branches of the facial, external carotid and dorsal branch of the infraorbital arteries as well as the transverse facial, masseteric and buccal arteries. This finding was essentially the same as observed on other species which included the dog, cat, crab-eating monkey, rabbit, cow and horse. However, the origin, course and distribution of the posterior deep temporal and masseteric arteries in the rat were considerably different from those of other species. Furthermore, since the way of development of the arteries and the subdivided muscles of the masseter muscle varies among species, the relationships between these arteries and the subdivided muscles seem to differ to some extent from species to species. Outline of the arterial system of the lateral aspect in the rat's head was shown in Fig. 1. The arteries and masseteric branches which were distributed to the subdivided muscles of the masseter muscle in the rat were as follows. 1) The first and second superficial and intermediate masseter muscles were distributed by the masseteric branches of the facial and external carotid arteries as well as the transverse facial, buccal and masseteric arteries. 2) The anterior portion of the deep masseter muscle was supplied by the masseteric branch of the facial, the masseteric and the buccal arteries. 3) The posterior portion of the deep masseter muscle received only the masseteric artery. 4) The maxillomandibular muscle was vascularized by the masseteric branch of the dorsal branch of the infraorbital and the buccal arteries. 5) the zygomaticomandibular muscle included only the masseteric artery.     

Interrelation of temporal fascia,temporalis and masseter muscles

Introduction

In the study; interrelation in between the distal part of deep layer of temporal fascia, temporalis muscle and the muscle fibers of deep layer of masseter were examined in order to detect the possible different relationships in between them.

On the laminar formation of the masseter muscle in the lion (Panthera leo).

An investigation was made of the laminar structure of the masseter muscle in 3 lions (Panthera leo s. Felis leo), and the findings obtained were evaluated in comparison with those in some other carnivora. Although the general aspect of the masseter of the lion resembled that of the cat, there was no close similarity or analogy between them. The construction of the masseter in the lion was as follows. The superficial layer consisted of primary and secondary sublayers, the intermediate layer was composed of anterior and posterior portions, and the deep layer also had anterior and posterior portions. Among these three layers (the masseter proper muscle), the superficial layer was extremely well developed as a characteristic feature of this species. The maxillomandibularis muscle was developed in a muscular element of its origin and had its tendinous insertion on the anteroinferior margin of the masseteric fossa. The zygomaticomandibularis muscle was also fairly well developed in the form of two muscular bundles which originated from the temporal crest, a shelf forming a lateral protrusion on the basis of the zygomatic process, and its posterior surface. Both muscles were also well developed as the masseter improper. Such a huge and complicated laminar pattern of the masseter muscle in the lion should be sufficient to exert a strong force as a predatory animal.     

Comparative Jaw Muscle Anatomy in Kangaroos,Wallabies, and Rat‐Kangaroos (Marsupialia: Macropodoidea)

The jaw muscles were studied in seven genera of macropodoid marsupials with diets ranging from mainly fungi in Potorous to grass in Macropus. Relative size, attachments, and lamination within the jaw adductor muscles varied between macropodoid species. Among macropodine species, the jaw adductor muscle proportions vary with feeding type. The relative mass of the masseter is roughly consistent, but grazers and mixed‐feeders (Macropus and Lagostrophus) had relatively larger medial pterygoids and smaller temporalis muscles than the browsers (Dendrolagus, Dorcopsulus, and Setonix). Grazing macropods show similar jaw muscle proportions to “ungulate‐grinding” type placental mammals. The internal architecture of the jaw muscles also varies between grazing and browsing macropods, most significantly, the anatomy of the medial pterygoid muscle. Potoroines have distinctly different jaw muscle proportions to macropodines. The masseter muscle group, in particular, the superficial masseter is enlarged, while the temporalis group is relatively reduced. Lagostrophus fasciatus is anatomically distinct from other macropods with respect to its masticatory muscle anatomy, including enlarged superficial medial pterygoid and deep temporalis muscles, an anteriorly inflected masseteric process, and the shape of the mandibular condyle. The enlarged triangular pterygoid process of the sphenoid bone, in particular, is distinctive of Lagsotrophus. Anat Rec, 292:875–884, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.     

Experimental skin pain and muscle pain induce distinct changes in human trigeminal motoneuronal excitability

Seeking information on the physiological properties of the trigeminal motoneuronal pool we investigated changes in the excitability of trigeminal motor system induced by two types of experimental pain (muscle and skin). In one session, we studied the effect of muscle pain induced by hypertonic saline infusion into the masseter muscle on the recovery cycle of the heteronymous H-reflex in the temporalis muscle and the homonymous silent period (SP) in the masseter muscle, both elicited by stimulation of the masseteric nerve in ten-healthy subjects. In another session, we studied the effect of laser stimuli applied to the perioral region, at conditioning intervals from 20 to 160 ms, on the temporalis H-reflex and masseter SP in nine healthy subjects. Whereas laser-induced skin pain significantly inhibited the temporalis H-reflex and facilitated the masseter SP (P < 0.01), muscle pain left the time course of the temporalis H-reflex and masseter SP unchanged (P > 0.05). The timing of temporalis H-reflex suppression and masseter-SP enhancement induced by laser stimuli indicates that facial skin nociceptors inhibit trigeminal motoneurones via multysynaptic reflex pathways. Hypertonic saline, a stimulus that predominantly activates group III and IV afferents, left both variables reflecting trigeminal motoneuron excitability unchanged. Due to the differences between the two experimental models, we cannot conclude that such inhibitory reflex pathway does not exist from muscle nociceptors to trigeminal motoneurones.     

下颌角磨削术中离断咬肌神经的临床研究

目的：通过观察下颌角磨削术中咬肌神经离断后咬肌厚度的变化,探讨该手术的安全性及可行性.方法：对下颌角宽大畸形伴咬肌肥大18例患者,在局麻下采用下颌角磨削去骨矫治,术中采取口内切口,先作下颌骨的磨削,成形后再于咬肌与下颌支之间的咬肌间隙内,分离出咬肌神经的总干,并于下颌切迹下方0.5 cm处离断神经主干.采用高频浅表超声成像技术,分别在治疗前、治疗后每隔4～8周,放松及用力咬合状态下测量双侧咬肌厚度.结果：本组18例切口均一期愈合.术后均获随访1～6个月,无颈、唇部感觉麻木,无张口困难,咀嚼功能正常,下颌角部所形成的曲线优美圆滑、形态自然.在两种颌位状态下,治疗后24周双侧咬肌厚度均明显小于治疗前,差异有统计学意义（P＜0.05）.咬合状态下咬肌厚度缩小程度较松弛状态改善更为明显（P＜0.05）.结论：下颌角磨削去骨后离断咬肌神经主干操作安全,肥大的咬肌会出现明显萎缩,对咬肌肥大的患者可获得很好的临床疗效.     

Conditioning of heteronymous H reflex in human temporalis muscle by stimulation of perioral afferents

A heteronymous H reflex in the temporalis muscle can be elicited by selective stimulation of the masseteric nerve. The present study aimed at defining the optimal amplitude of the H reflex to detect inhibitory changes induced by stimulation of the perioral afferents and at providing new information on the control of masticatory muscles. Sixteen healthy volunteers participated in the experiment. A conditioning stimulus (CS) to the perioral skin was applied at various delays before an ipsilateral selective masseteric nerve stimulation (test stimulus: TS) while the subject was clenching the teeth at 25% of the maximal voluntary contraction. Two intensities of CS and TS were employed, high and low. The peak-to-peak amplitude of the H reflex (TS) and the root-mean-square value of the preceding electromyography were measured and the data analyzed by three-way analysis of variance and Tukey's posthoc tests. For both intensities used the heteronymous H reflex in the temporalis muscle was significantly decreased by prior activation of perioral afferents for delays from 5 to 60 ms. With a delay of 5 and 35 ms the preceding EMG level was not changed, while it was reduced at 20 and 60 ms delay. The intensities used to elicit the heteronymous H reflex of the temporalis muscle were appropriate to detect a reduction in motoneuron excitability. The reduction in the H reflex without a change in the preceding EMG at 5 and 35 ms delays could be due to presynaptic inhibition of the masseteric afferents exerted by the ipsilateral perioral afferents.     

国人咬肌和咬肌神经的应用解剖学

本文观测了31侧面部标本的咬肌和咬肌神经,以可摸到的下颌支和下颌角为标志,测得咬肌神经在 A 线、AB 间线、B 线和 BC 间线上至下颌支后缘的距离分别为2.3cm、2.7cm、3.1cm 和3.3cm;入肌点的位置至下颌角的距离为5.1cm。咬肌神经的体表定位,为临床采用咬肌瓣转位术矫正口颊区面瘫提供解剖学依据.     

Reducing condylar compression in clenching patients

The two major muscle groups used during clenching activity are the masseter and temporalis muscles. EMG readings of the masseter and temporalis muscles rise significantly during times of macro-clenching. Clenching occurs when the masseter and temporalis muscles contract, pulling the mandible superiorly. The continued contraction of the masseter and temporalis muscles results in compression forces on the teeth and temporomandibular joints. Theoretical joint loading models are utilized to demonstrate the load on the TMJ due to forces generated by the masseter and temporalis muscles. This study measures the EMG readings during bilateral macro-contraction of the masseter and anterior temporalis muscles. An appliance is fabricated to disengage the posterior teeth and a second series of EMG readings are taken to record lowered EMG readings. The vector forces of the reduced EMG's recordings demonstrate reduced condylar compression during macro-clenching.     

The function of the disco-muscular apparatus in the human temporomandibular joint.

The morphology and function of the disco-muscular apparatus of the human TMJ is a controversial subject. Connections between the muscles which move the mandible and the "disco-capsular complex" have been described in a contradictory way. The disco-muscular apparatus is also described as being more extensive than that of the M. pterygoideus alone to include to the Mm. temporalis and masseter. However, the involvement of the latter is considered to be a peripheral variation of the normal anatomy and of little, if any, functional significance. The existence of independent relationships between the deep portions of the masseter and temporal muscles and the disco-capsular apparatus of the human TMJ is rarely discussed or explained. The morphologic findings were derived from fixed and unfixed human temporomandibular joints (TMJ) of varying ages and both sexes, whereby the functional maturity of the masticatory apparatus was taken into consideration. The results of the study show that aside from fibers originating from the superior venter of the M. pterygoideus lateralis, additional muscle or connective tissue fibers from the perimysium of the M. masseter are inserted to varying extents into the disc. The same is true for the M. temporalis, which is also directly connected to the disc via muscular or fibrous elements, or indirectly via fibers from the M. masseter. The insertion of the M. pterygoideus lateralis is always in the medial portion of the Discus articularis and those of the Mm. temporalis and masseter in the middle and lateral portions of the disc respectively. It is highly probable that a direct force transfer through the Mm. temporalis and masseter to the articular disc takes place, and that these muscles contribute to the movement of the disc during jaw movement, whereas the size and form of the muscle insertions are subject to a great deal of individual variation.     

Experimental jaw-muscle pain does not change heteronymous H-reflexes in the human temporalis muscle

Muscle pain generally has an inhibitory effect on voluntary orofacial motor function. However, it is not known whether muscle pain causes direct or indirect changes in motoneuron excitability. In this study a monopolar needle stimulation technique was used to evoke the direct motor response (M-response) in the left masseter muscle and the heteronymous H-reflex in the left temporalis muscle as an indirect measure of motoneuron excitability. Series of 20 repeated electrical stimuli were delivered at 50% of maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) before, during, and after periods with experimental jaw-muscle pain in 11 healthy subjects. Pain was induced by standardized infusion of hypertonic (5%) saline into the mid-portion of the right masseter muscle. The mean pain intensity rating on a 100-mm visual analog scale was 42±5 mm. The short-latency responses (less than 6 ms) could be evoked in all subjects. Analysis of the latency and amplitude of the temporal H-reflex indicated no significant effect of jaw-muscle pain. The amplitude of the masseteric M-response was significantly smaller in the postpain condition than in the pain conditions (ANOVA, P=0.018), but no differences were found between the prepain and postpain conditions. In nine subjects, poststimulus periods (mean offset latency, 69.6±8.6 ms) with significantly (more than 50%) suppressed EMG activity were detected in the ipsilateral masseter muscle following the M-response (mean offset latency, 5.5±0.2 ms). These reflex responses did not show a systematic change during the pain conditions. In conclusion, acute contralateral jaw-muscle pain does not seem to modulate the motoneuron excitability as measured by the heteronymous H-reflex. Received: 7 November 1997 / Accepted: 16 February 1998