Bassett Collection of Stereoscopic Images of Human Anatomy

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Dissection of left parotideomasseteric region

Distribution of nerves and blood vessels within masseter muscle, anterolateral view

Image #63-6

KEYWORDS: Cheek, Face, Muscles and tendons, Peripheral nervous system, Vasculature.

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Dissection of left parotideomasseteric region

Distribution of nerves and blood vessels within masseter muscle, anterolateral view

The left masseter muscle has been detached both from the origin and insertion, and reflected posteriorly. Branches of the masseteric nerve have been exposed by separation of fascicles of the muscle. Masseteric veins, and arteries are also visible within the depths of the muscle tissue. A layer of muscle (2), which arises from the deep surface of the zygomatic arch, is closely related to the deep part of the masseter muscle (15). This layer is usually described with the temporal muscle although it is supplied by the masseteric nerve.

1 .	Zygomatic muscle
2 .	Muscular fascicle arising from temporal surface of zygomatic arch and inserting on coronoid process of mandible
3 .	Zygomatic head of levator labii superioris muscle
4 .	Tendon of masseter muscle (cut across)
5 .	Coronoid process mandible (cut muscle fibers are of masseter muscle)
6 .	Masseteric nerve (emerging from mandibular incisure)
7 .	Buccal fat pad (partially cut away)
8 .	Tendon of temporalis muscle
9 .	Fascia covering buccinator nerve
10 .	Parotid duct (cut off)
11 .	Buccinator nerve
12 .	Angle of mandible and external maxillary artery
13 .	Masseteric branch of external maxillary artery
14 .	Auricle
15 .	Deep portion of masseter muscle (cut across near origin from zygomatic arch)
16 .	Anterior margin of masseter muscle (reflected)
17 .	Branch of mandible
18 .	Deep portion of masseter muscle cut away from insertion into ramus of mandible
19 .	Superficial portion of masseter muscle cut away from insertion into body of mandible
20 .	Parotid gland
21 .	Sternocleidomastoid muscle
22 .	Posterior facial vein (cut off)