Which muscle has a broad origin on the frontal, temporal and parietal bones?

• A. Temporalis
• B. Masseter
• C. Sternocleidomastoid
• D. Digastric

Answer: (A)

The temporalis muscle has a broad origin from the temporal fossa, spanning the frontal, parietal, and temporal bones via the temporal fascia. Its fibers fan out across this wide area and converge to insert on the coronoid process of the mandible. This expansive origin is what the question is highlighting. The muscle’s main job is to elevate the mandible, closing the jaw, with a minor contribution to retraction. In contrast, the other muscles listed have more localized origins: the masseter from the zygomatic arch and maxilla, the sternocleidomastoid from the sternum and clavicle, and the digastric from the mandible and mastoid region.