The submasseterric space (also termed the masseteric space) is a fascial space of the head and neck (sometimes also termed

fascia A fascia (; : fasciae or fascias; adjective fascial; ) is a generic term for macroscopic membranous bodily structures. Fasciae are classified as superficial, visceral or deep, and further designated according to their anatomical location. ...

l spaces or tissue spaces). It is a

potential space In anatomy, a potential space is a space between two adjacent structures that are normally pressed together (directly apposed). Many anatomic spaces are potential spaces, which means that they are potential rather than realized (with their realiz ...

in the face over the angle of the jaw, and is paired on each side. It is located between the lateral aspect of the mandible and the medial aspect of the

masseter muscle In anatomy, the masseter is one of the muscles of mastication. Found only in mammals, it is particularly powerful in herbivores to facilitate chewing of plant matter. The most obvious muscle of mastication is the masseter muscle, since it is the ...

and its investing fascia. The term is derived from sub- meaning "under" in Latin and ''masseteric'' which refers to the masseter muscle. The submasseteric space is one of the four compartments of the

masticator space Fascial spaces (also termed fascial tissue spaces or tissue spaces) are potential spaces that exist between the fasciae and underlying organs and other tissues. In health, these spaces do not exist; they are only created by pathology, e.g. the spre ...

. Sometimes the submasseteric space is described as a series of spaces, created because the masseter muscle has multiple insertions that cover most of the lateral surface of the

ramus of the mandible In jawed vertebrates, the mandible (from the Latin ''mandibula'', 'for chewing'), lower jaw, or jawbone is a bone that makes up the lowerand typically more mobilecomponent of the mouth (the upper jaw being known as the maxilla). The jawbone ...

Structure

Anatomic boundaries

The boundaries of each submasseteric space are: * the anterior margin of the masseter muscle anteriorly, * the

parotid gland The parotid gland is a major salivary gland in many animals. In humans, the two parotid glands are present on either side of the mouth and in front of both ears. They are the largest of the salivary glands. Each parotid is wrapped around the m ...

posteriorly, * the zygomatic arch superiorly, * the inferior border of the mandible inferiorly, * the lateral surface of the mandibular ramus medially (the submasseteric space is superficial to the mandible), * the masseter muscle laterally (the submasseteric space is deep to masseter).

Communications

The communications of each submasseteric space are: * to the

buccal space The buccal space (also termed the buccinator space) is a fascial spaces of the head and neck, fascial space of the head and neck (sometimes also termed fascial tissue spaces or tissue spaces). It is a potential space in the cheek, and is paired on ...

anteriorly, * to the

pterygomandibular space The pterygomandibular space is a fascial space of the head and neck (sometimes also termed fascial spaces or tissue spaces). It is a potential space in the head and is paired on each side. It is located between the medial pterygoid muscle and th ...

(around the posterior margin of the mandibular ramus to its medial surface) and the parotid space posteriorly, * to the

superficial temporal space Superficial may refer to: *Superficial anatomy, is the study of the external features of the body *Superficiality, the discourses in philosophy regarding social relation *Superficial charm, the tendency to be smooth, engaging, charming, slick and ...

superiorly.

In health, the space contains: * the

masseteric artery The masseteric artery is small and passes laterally through the mandibular notch to the deep surface of the masseter muscle, which it supplies. It anastomoses with the masseteric branches of the external maxillary artery and with the transvers ...

and vein.

Clinical significance

Submasseteric abscesses are relatively rare, and may be confused with a parotid abscess or

parotitis Parotitis is an inflammation of one or both parotid glands, the major salivary glands located on either side of the face, in humans. The parotid gland is the salivary gland most commonly affected by inflammation. Etymology From Greek παρωτῖ ...

. They tend to be chronic. The submasseteric space may be involved by infections that spread from the buccal space. Sometimes

mandibular fracture Mandibular fracture, also known as fracture of the jaw, is a break through the mandibular bone. In about 60% of cases the break occurs in two places. It may result in a decreased ability to fully open the mouth. Often the teeth will not feel ...

s in the region of the angle of the mandible may cause an infection of the submasseteric space. The signs and symptoms of a submasseteric abscess may include marked

trismus Trismus is a condition of restricted opening of the mouth. The term was initially used in the setting of tetanus. Trismus may be caused by spasm of the muscles of mastication or a variety of other causes. Temporary trismus occurs much more freque ...

(i.e. difficulty opening the mouth, since the masseter elevates the mandible and it becomes restricted) and swelling in the region of the masseter muscle. The treatment of a submasseteric space infection is usually by surgical

incision and drainage Incision and drainage (I&D), also known as clinical lancing, are minor surgical procedures to release pus or pressure built up under the skin, such as from an abscess, boil, or infected paranasal sinus. It is performed by treating the area wit ...

, and the incision is placed intra-orally (inside the mouth) or both intra and extra-orally if other parts of the masticator space are involved.

Odontogenic infections

The submasseteric space is sometimes involved by the spread of

odontogenic infection An odontogenic infection is an infection that originates within a tooth or in the closely surrounding tissues. The term is derived from '' odonto-'' (Ancient Greek: , – 'tooth') and '' -genic'' (Ancient Greek: , ; – 'birth'). The most common ...

s, such as a pericoronal abscess associated with an impacted

mandibular third molar In jawed vertebrates, the mandible (from the Latin ''mandibula'', 'for chewing'), lower jaw, or jawbone is a bone that makes up the lowerand typically more mobilecomponent of the mouth (the upper jaw being known as the maxilla). The jawbon ...

(lower wisdom tooth) when the apices of the tooth lie very close to or within the space.

Additional images

Image:Gray176.png, Diagram showing lateral surface of the mandible and the area of insertion of the masseter muscle on the mandibular ramus. Image:Gray378 (masseter highlight).png, The left masseter muscle (red highlight), shown partially covered by superficial muscles such as the

platysma muscle The platysma muscle or platysma is a superficial muscle of the human neck that overlaps the sternocleidomastoid. It covers the anterior surface of the neck superficially. When it contracts, it produces a slight wrinkling of the neck, and a "bowst ...

, the

zygomaticus major muscle The zygomaticus major muscle is a muscle of the face. It arises from either zygomatic arch (cheekbone); it inserts at the corner of the mouth. It is innervated by branches of the facial nerve (cranial nerve VII). It is a muscle of facial expres ...

and the

zygomaticus minor muscle The zygomaticus minor muscle is a muscle of facial expression. It originates from the zygomatic bone, lateral to the rest of the levator labii superioris muscle, and inserts into the outer part of the upper lip. It draws the upper lip backward, u ...

References

{{mouth anatomy Fascial spaces of the head and neck Otorhinolaryngology Oral and maxillofacial surgery Mouth