Masseter Origin — MFDS Part 1 MCQ

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ModerateAnatomy (Head & Neck)Masseter OriginMFDS Part 1

During surgical exposure of the zygomatic arch, the superficial part of the masseter is identified by its fibres passing inferoposteriorly towards the mandibular angle. From which structure does this part principally originate?

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Correct answer: D — Zygomatic process of the maxilla and anterior two-thirds of the inferior border of the zygomatic arch

The correct answer is D. The superficial part of the masseter arises from the zygomatic process of the maxilla and the anterior two-thirds of the inferior border of the zygomatic arch. Its fibres run inferoposteriorly towards the lateral surface of the mandibular angle and lower ramus. The posterior third and medial surface of the arch are associated with the deeper masseteric fibres, making B the principal distractor. The coronoid process is predominantly an insertion of temporalis, not the origin of superficial masseter. The lateral surface of the lateral pterygoid plate gives origin to the inferior head of lateral pterygoid. The mastoid process provides attachment to muscles including sternocleidomastoid and the posterior belly of digastric, rather than masseter.

Reference: Okoń A, Landfald IC, Olewnik Ł. The Deep Head of the Masseter Muscle: A Classification-Based Anatomical and Surgical Framework, Figure 1 and anatomical overview. Biomedicines. 2025. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41007762/