Anatomical Observation of a Craniomandibular Muscle Originating from the Skull Base: The Sphenomandibularis

Abstract:

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.