Functions Of The Medial Pterygoid Muscle

Functions Of The Medial Pterygoid Muscle

Medial Pterygoid Muscle Origin

By two heads:

• Smaller superficial head arises from the tuberosity of maxilla.
• Larger deep head from the medial surface of the lateral pterygoid plate.

Medial Pterygoid Muscle Insertion

Into the medial surface of the ramus of mandible, above the angle of mandible and below the mandibular foramen.

Medial Pterygoid Muscle Nerve supply

Nerve to medial pterygoid, a branch from main trunk of the mandibular nerve.

Medial Pterygoid Muscle Actions

• Elevation of mandible
• Helps in protrusion of mandible
• Along with ipsilateral, lateral pterygoid pushes the chin to opposite side