The Motor Functions of the Trigeminal Nerve

Question 1

Where is the temporalis muscle and what does it do?

Answer 1

Found on the side of the skull on the side of the temporal bone
- muscle of mastication, clenches the jaw when it contracts

Question 2

What is the Masseter muscle and what does it do?

Answer 2

Found on the side of the jaw underneath the ear

- muscle of mastication, clenches the jaw when it contracts

Question 3

What do you tell the patient when you’re about to examine their temporalis and masseter muscles?

Answer 3

Tell the patient you’ll be feeling their muscle of chewing (and ask if they feel any pain/discomfort)

Question 4

Where do you palpate the masseter muscle?

Answer 4

Anterior to the temporomandibular joint

Question 5

Where do you palpate the temporalis muscle?

Answer 5

Over the temples (over the pterion)

Question 6

How do you get these muscles to become palpable in a patient you’re examining?

Answer 6

Ask the patient to clench and unclench their jaw for a second each, press on the expected area of each muscle

Question 7

Do you feel on one side or both sides of the patient’s face and why?

Answer 7

Both sides

- asymmetry in the muscles can be a sign of pathology