An anatomical study of the muscles innervated by the masseteric nerve

For an accurate assessment of jaw movement, it is critical to understand the comprehensive formation of the masseter. Detailed dissection was performed on fifteen head halves of eight Japanese cadavers in order to obtain precise anatomical information of the course and distribution of the masseteric nerve in the masseter, especially in the zygomaticomandibularis (ZM). Based on detailed innervation investigation, the main trunk of the masseteric nerve ran between ZM and the masseter, and the anterior region of ZM was closely related to the lateral layer of the masseter rather than the medial layer. Considering the positional relationships between the muscles and the innervating branches, it might be proposed that the muscle masses of ZM and the masseter migrate from the posterior side of the temporalis anterolateralward during development. This model is in agreement with the findings in that no nerve branch was observed between the temporalis and ZM.