Great muscles of the head

There are only two prominent, or great, head muscles, and these are the Masseter and Temporalis. The two are branchiomeric muscles.

Masseter

The Masseter is a great powerful, and very thick muscle covered by a tough, shining fascia lying ventral to the zygomatic arch, which is its Origin. Insertion, posterior half of the lateral surface of the mandible. Action, elevator of the mandible.

Temporalis

The temporalis is a great mass of mandibular muscle, and is also covered by a tough and shiny fascia. It lies dorsal to the zygomatic arch and fills the temporal fossa of the skull. Origin, side of the skull, Insertion, coronoid process of the mandible, Action, elevator of the jaws.