The masseteric nerve passes laterally, above the pterygoideus externus, in front of the temporomandibular articulation, and behind the tendon of the temporalis; it crosses the mandibular notch with the masseteric artery, to the deep surface of the masseter, in which it ramifies nearly as far as its anterior border. The masseteric nerve passes laterally, above the pterygoideus externus, in front of the temporomandibular articulation, and behind the tendon of the temporalis; it crosses the mandibular notch with the masseteric artery, to the deep surface of the masseter, in which it ramifies nearly as far as its anterior border.