The space between the zygomatic arch and the cranium is filled by which muscle?

The space between the zygomatic arch and the cranium is filled by which muscle?

• A. Temporalis
• B. Masseter
• C. Frontalis
• D. Sternocleidomastoid

Answer: (A)

Temporalis occupies the temporal fossa, the shallow area on the side of the skull between the upper edge of the zygomatic arch and the cranial vault. Its fibers originate from the temporal fossa and fascia, pass under the zygomatic arch, and insert on the coronoid process of the mandible. This placement means the muscle literally fills the space between the arch and the cranium and is a primary mover in elevating the jaw (and, with its posterior fibers, retracting it). The other muscles don’t fill that space: the masseter runs from the zygomatic arch to the angle and lateral surface of the mandible, lying more on the cheek region; the frontalis sits on the forehead; and the sternocleidomastoid belongs in the neck, far from this region.

Temporalis occupies the temporal fossa, the shallow area on the side of the skull between the upper edge of the zygomatic arch and the cranial vault. Its fibers originate from the temporal fossa and fascia, pass under the zygomatic arch, and insert on the coronoid process of the mandible. This placement means the muscle literally fills the space between the arch and the cranium and is a primary mover in elevating the jaw (and, with its posterior fibers, retracting it).

The other muscles don’t fill that space: the masseter runs from the zygomatic arch to the angle and lateral surface of the mandible, lying more on the cheek region; the frontalis sits on the forehead; and the sternocleidomastoid belongs in the neck, far from this region.