It passes through the mandibular notch to reach masseter muscle.

[1][2] It passes laterally superior to the lateral pterygoid muscle, anterior to the temporomandibular joint, and posterior to the tendon of the temporalis muscle.

It crosses (the posterior portion of) the mandibular notch alongside the masseteric artery before branching out upon the surface of the masseter muscle, then entering the muscle.

[2] The masseteric nerve provides motor innervation the masseter muscle.

It additionally sends articular (sensory) branches to the temporomandibular joint.