To which part of the skull does the masseter muscle attach?

The masseter muscle plays a crucial role in the process of mastication, or chewing, and its attachment is central to its function. The correct answer is that the masseter muscle attaches to the outer surface of the ramus of the mandible.

The outer surface of the ramus provides a robust structure that allows the muscle to exert the necessary force during chewing. The masseter originates from the zygomatic arch (cheekbone) and then extends to its insertion on the ramus, specifically on what is known as the angle of the mandible. This anatomical relationship enables the masseter to effectively elevate the mandible and close the jaw.

In contrast, although the inner surface of the mandible and the coronoid process are relevant features of the mandible, the masseter does not attach to them. The temporalis fossa, located on the lateral side of the skull, is associated with the temporalis muscle, which is a different muscle involved in mastication. Understanding these specific attachments is important for comprehending the mechanics of jaw movement and the functional anatomy of the oral cavity.