Origin, temporal fossa; insertion, coronoid process of mandible and anterior border of ramus; action elevates mandible (closes jaw); its posterior, nearly horizontally-oriented fibers are the primary retractors of the protruded mandible.

Nerve supply, deep temporal branches of mandibular division of trigeminal.

The outline of the skull as viewed from either side; a profile view: The norma lateralis of Joe's head indicated a slight fracture on the left side which required immediate medical attention.

The anterior and superior part of the temporal bone which is thin and scalelike.