Dissection Summary

Part 1 - Parotid Area

• • Clean the superficial surface of the masseter m. 

  • Completely remove the parotid gland while preserving the neurovasculature in this region

Part 2 - Muscles of Mastication

• • Separate the temporalis m. from the zygomatic arch and the masseter m.

  • Relieve the masseter m. from its proximal attachments and reflect inferiorly

  • Cut through the zygomatic process of the temporal bone, just anterior to the articular tubercle of the temporal bone

  • Relieve the zygomaticus major m. from its attachment to the zygomatic bone

  • Relieve the deep part of the masseter m. from the zygomatic arch, and remove the zygomatic arch 

    • • view the buccal fat pad and the inferior attachment of the temporalis m. to the coronoid process of the mandible

  • Remove the buccal fat pad and clean the superficial aspect of the buccinator m.

  • Clean the temporal fascia to reveal the tendon and belly of the temporalis m.

  • Locate the mandibular notch, and locate portions of the masseteric n. and a.

  • Palpate the styloid process of the temporal bone. Locate the stylomandibular ligament

Part 3 - Infratemporal Fossa 

• • Cut the base of the coronoid process of the mandible, and superiorly reflect the coronoid process and temporalis m.

  • Locate the lateral ligament of the temporomandibular joint covering the condylar process of the mandible

  • Cut through the base of the condylar process of the mandible adjacent to the mandibular notch

  • Locate the inferior alveolar neurovascular bundle, and follow it inferiorly to the mandibular foramen

  • Cut the ramus of the mandible at or just above the mandibular foramen

  • Locate the vascular supply (anterior & posterior deep temporal aa. & vv.) and innervation (deep temporal nn.) for the temporalis m.

Part 4 - TMJ

• • Examine the temporomandibular joint (TMJ)

    • • Manipulate the condylar process to appreciate the motions possible at this joint

      • Clear the lateral ligament from the joint capsule

      • Remove the lateral aspect of the joint capsule to reveal the articular disc and the upper and lower synovial cavities

Part 5 - Pterygoid Muscles 

• • Identify the maxillary a., but do not dissect/identify its branches at this time

  • Clean the lateral pterygoid m. and medial pterygoid m. 

    • • Distinguish between the superior and inferior heads of the lateral pterygoid m.