To locate the insertion of the temporalis, you must ask your partner to perform what action?

• A. Open the mouth wide
• B. Close the mouth
• C. Move the jaw to the side
• D. Protract the mandible

Answer: (A)

Locating where the temporalis attaches hinges on making the coronoid process of the mandible easy to feel. The temporalis inserts on the coronoid process, and asking the person to open the mouth wide places that coronoid area in a position where the tendon is more distinct and easier to palpate along the anterior border of the ramus. This broad opening exposes the insertion site by bringing the coronoid process into a more accessible spot, whereas closing the mouth, moving the jaw to the side, or protracting the mandible doesn’t reveal that insertion as clearly.