Human Anatomy Part 1 - K. A. Dyubenko, A. K. Kolomiyytsev, Yu. B. Chaykovsky 2002

Special Part
Myology, myologia [the study of muscles] - Muscles and Fascia of the Head
Fascia of the Head

The following fasciae are identified on the HEAD: temporal, masseteric, parotid, and buccopharyngeal.

1. Temporal fascia, fascia temporalis – a thick fibrous plate covering the m. temporalis. It originates from the periosteum along the linea temporalis superior and extends to the zygomatic arch, where it divides into the following two layers:

- superficial layer, lamina superficialis – attaches to the upper margin and outer surface of the arcus zygomaticus and the processus frontosphenoidalis of the Zygomatic bone;

- deep layer, lamina profunda, terminates on the upper margin and inner surface of the zygomatic arch.

Adipose tissue is located in the narrow space enclosed between these layers.

2. Masseteric fascia, fascia masseterica – originates from the arcus zygomaticus, where it is continuous with the temporal fascia. Posteriorly, the fascia attaches to the Cartilage of the external acoustic meatus and extends onto the mastoid process. Inferiorly, it transitions into the deep Cervical fascia, and anteriorly, it covers the masseter Muscle before continuing as the fascia buccopharyngea.

3. Parotid fascia, fascia parotidea – a continuation of the masseteric fascia that forms the capsule of the parotid gland. Superiorly, it attaches to the zygomatic arch; posteriorly, to the mastoid process and auricular cartilage; and inferiorly, it transitions into the deep cervical fascia.

4. Buccopharyngeal fascia, fascia buccopharyngea – covers the buccinator muscle, and near the anterior margin of the masseter muscle, it extends onto the inner surface

of the mandibular ramus. It also covers the lateral surface of the Pharynx, forming the raphe pterygomandibularis.