There are a huge number of muscles in the human body (about 640). All of them have a different structure, purpose and location. Previously, scientists have compiled atlases of anatomy, in which there are 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 involved in the motor processes of the face. It also plays an important role in chewing food.
Anatomical location
The temporal muscle (musculus temporalis) is located on the skull on both sides, it occupies the entire temporal cavity. It belongs to the group of muscles of the head, is attached along the so-called temporal line, passing through three structures:
- frontal bone (temporal edge);
- parietal (sometimes called "temporoparietal muscle");
- temporal (squamous part);
- wedge-shaped (large wing surface).
To feel this muscle yourself, just rub the temporal region with your fingers. She seems to "line" this zone, it is her that we often rub with headaches.
Appearance
In its configuration, the temporalis muscle resembles a fan. Separate 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 anterior bundles of the temporal muscle, attached to the frontal bone, are located almost vertically. Medium, with fixation on the sphenoid bone, directed diagonally. And the posterior ones, related to the temporal bone, lie horizontally.
The main difference between the muscles of the skull and the rest in the human body is the absence of a fascial bag (except for the buccal bag). 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 a muscle functions
With a strong clenching of the jaws, you can palpate under the skin how the fibers contract. The temporalis muscle (whole) does the work by lifting the lower jaw up.
The posterior horizontal fibers function by pushing the protruding jaw into place (backward). If you perform a similar movement, then the work of the beams is probed above the ear.
The temporal muscle is directly involved in the process of chewing food. That is, it is responsible for almost all movements of the lower jaw.
It is necessary to note the importance of the mimic influence of the temporalis muscle. With a strongfatigue, 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 is precisely manifested 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. No exception - the function of the temporal muscles, synergists or antagonists are in constant complex interaction with each other.
Synergists are called muscular 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 certain muscle, for the temporal muscle it is subcutaneous. They seem to work in opposition.
A striking example in the human body: biceps - triceps. When one muscle contracts, its antagonist stretches at the same time, and then they switch places.
Often synergists and antagonists are perceived as a whole, a kind of mechanism that establishes a general balance in the human body. Their work is also taken into account in bodybuilding.
Qualified coaches and athletes build a training system in such a way that there is no "overbalance" in one direction or another and the body looks harmonious.
Masticatory muscles
An excellent example of the coexistence of antagonists and synergists ischewing muscles. In total, four muscles are included in it, consider which ones:
- chewing - short, powerful, stretches from the zygomatic arch to the lower jaw, consists of a superficial layer and a deep one;
- 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;
- temporalis muscle - provides "back" and "up" actions.
It can be concluded that the above facial muscles provide a vital function - chewing food. Ideally, their work should be harmonious and harmonious.
Disturbances in the functions of one of the muscles may cause unpleasant consequences. Such as: facial asymmetry, characteristic clicks in the TMJ (temporomandibular joint), also sensations of tension.
Pain
It is interesting to understand the question: with 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 cause a person to see a doctor or take medication:
- Headache. It can occur with spasm, contraction, then there are characteristic sensations in the area of the temporal muscle, which require massage with the fingertips, with rubbing and pressure. It is done in the area above the ears, at a distance of about 2.5 cm. At the same time, the tension in the muscle decreases andheadache can be reduced.
- Stress areas are trigger points. They are formed with a sharp contraction of individual muscle fibers. Zones of tension on palpation are felt as strands or seals on a common flat muscle sheet. As a rule, they are located the same way, 2.5 cm above the ear. There may be several pain points, when they are detected, it is necessary to do point pressure until the problem area and pain in it completely disappear.
- Toothache. Sometimes a person is forced to turn to a dentist, although he does not have visible problems of this kind. As a rule, the doctor also does not find it, although the complaint comes about pain in the molars of the upper jaw. This kind of trouble can also be due to the presence of trigger points and contractions of the fibers of the temporalis muscle.
Self-massage
In many cases, the function of the temporal muscles is restored as a result of proper manipulation. Anyone can do self-massage and stretching on their own (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 position, sit down, slightly tilting your head. The fingers of both hands should be placed on a line above the ears and knead, moving up and down.
When groping for a pain point or a tight band, you need to work out this area more carefully. You can press with one finger with effort (moderate, up to 10 seconds) until discomfort disappears.
Stretching
Advice: you should eliminate the habit of tightly clenching your teeth, chewing gum. This will get rid of many problems associated with the function of the temporal muscles and TMJ.
Temporal muscle stretching is done as follows. The fingers are also placed above the ears perpendicular to the direction of the fibers of the parietal zone. The mouth should be opened as wide as possible. Further, taking a deep breath, you need to pull up the temporalis muscle with your fingers and stay in this position for 5 seconds.
It is better to repeat this stretch 5-6 times. As a rule, this procedure relieves muscle spasms, clamps, and relaxes the fibers. Sometimes in this way you can remove a headache or "pseudo-tooth" pain.
