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 under-standing of craniomandibular function and may have clinical implications regarding retro-orbital pain.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Gwendolyn F. Dunn

Dr. Gwendolyn F. Dunn received her D.D.S. from Meharry Medical School in 1970 and her Certificate in Orthodontics and M.S. in 1972 from the State University of New York at Buffalo. Dr. Dunn has been involved in the private practice of orthodontics since 1972. She was clinical instructor in orthodontics at the University of Maryland Dental School from 1972 to 1978. She is currently a volunteer dissector at the Maryland Anatomy Board. Dr. Dunn has taken over 1,000 hours of continuing education courses in orthodontics and TM joint therapy.

Gary D. Hack

Dr. Gary D. Hack received his D.D.S. degree from the University of Maryland Dental School in 1979 and completed a General Practice Dental Residency with the United States Public Health Service in Seattle, Washington in 1980. He is currently an assistant professor in the Department of Restorative Dentistry at the University of Maryland Dental School. He has a keen interest in head and neck anatomy, particularly the muscles of mastication and is an active member of an anatomical research team at the dental school.

Walker L. Robinson

Dr. Walker L. Robinson graduated from the University of Maryland School of Medicine in 1970. He is currently an Associate Professor of Neurosurgery and Head of Pediatric Neurosurgery at the University of Maryland Medical System. Additionally, he is the Clinical Director of Neurotrauma and Director of the Maryland Interdisciplinary Craniofacial Center at the University of Maryland Hospital. His major research interests include skull base anatomy and craniofacial anomalies.

Richard T. Koritzer

Dr. Richard T. Koritzer was formerly Clinical Professor, Fixed Prosthodontics, Georgetown University School of Dentistry. He is a research associate at the Smithsonian Institution, and in addition to clinical practice of general dentistry, has done anatomical research for many years. He is a fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science and the American Anthropological Association. He is a master in the Academy of General Dentistry. Dr.Koritzer has delivered numerous papers at refereed meetings and is published in refereed journals.