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Dissection of left parotideomasseteric region

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

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Image #63-6
Diagram Image
Legend Image
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)