Interrelation of temporal fascia, temporalis and masseter muscles

Introduction: In the study; interrelation in between the distal part of deep layer of temporal fascia, temporalis muscle and the muscle fibers of deep layer of masseter were examined in order to detect the possible different relationships in between them. Methods: Interrelation in between the distal part of temporal fascia, temporalis muscle and the muscle fibers of deep layer of masseter were examined in six fresh frozen and four embalmed head-neck specimens bilaterally. Three of the specimens were female and seven of them were male. Their ages varied between 76 to 83 years. In all of the 20 dissections; the zygomatic arch was removed and the interrelation in between these anatomical structures were demonstrated. Results: In the gross anatomic examination, three different types of interrelation was found. In the first type, there was no continuity or connection in between the temporalis muscle and the muscle fibers of deep layer of masseter. In all of them; masseter formed the superficial relation of temporalis muscle. In the second type; the deep layer of masseter was connected to the temporalis muscle's distal fibers and all these fibers coursed as a single muscle. Both muscles’ fibres were inserted into the coronoid process. This type was present both unilaterally and bilaterally. In the third type, the temporal fascia was inserted to the coronoid process, together with the temporalis muscle. Discussion: Awareness of the surgeons about the high ratio of these types of interrelations will affect the success of the surgery.