Anatomical observation of a craniomandibular muscle originating from the skull base: the sphenomandibularis.
This study describes a hitherto unreported, functionally distinct craniomandibular muscle as observed in 25 cadaveric specimens and MRI scans of clinical patients. The muscle was consistently observed as originating from the maxillary surface of the sphenoid bone and inserting on the temporal crest (internal oblique line) of the mandible. This anatomic observation should broaden our understanding of craniomandibular function and may have clinical implications regarding retro-orbital pain.
Dunn
G F
GF
Dept. of Restorative Dentistry, Baltimore College of Dental Surgery, University of Maryland 21201-1586, USA.
Hack
G D
GD
Robinson
W L
WL
Koritzer
R T
RT
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002965:Classification; D005152:Facial Muscles / Q000033:anatomy & histology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008334:Mandible / Q000033:anatomy & histology*; D008409:Mastication / Q000502:physiology; D008875:Middle Aged; D019291:Skull Base / Q000033:anatomy & histology; D013100:Sphenoid Bone / Q000033:anatomy & histology*; D013703:Temporal Muscle / Q000033:anatomy & histology*; D009626:Terminology as Topic