The temporalis muscle is a very strong muscle that runs from the side of your head “fan-shaped” down to the lower jaw. It is involved in mastication and closure of the jaw at the temporomandibular joint.

Its anterior fibers elevate and retrude the mandible, while its middle fibers close the jaw.

When you open your mouth wide to read or eat, it takes a lot of force and strength from your facial muscles. If these muscles become overexerted, it can lead to trigger points and pain in the temples, jaw, or upper teeth.

You can help your temporalis muscle relax by doing relaxation exercises or by massaging the muscles. Physical therapists can also recommend strengthening exercises for this muscle to reduce tension.

A study in mice found that there was a disproportionate age-related expansion of the origin of the temporalis muscle compared to the underlying skull. This was more evident in Mstn-/- individuals than control mice.