Lateral Pterygoid Muscle

Lateral Pterygoid Muscle

The lateral pterygoid is the key muscle of infratemporal region.

Lateral Pterygoid Muscle Origin

Lateral Pterygoid Muscle  By two heads:

• Upper smaller head arises from the infratemporal crest and infratemporal surface of the greater wing of the sphenoid.
• Lower larger head arises from the lateral surface of the lateral pterygoid plate.

Lateral Pterygoid Muscle Insertion

Into the pterygoid fovea present on the front of the neck of mandible. Some fibres are also inserted into the articular disc and capsule of the temporomandibular joint.

Lateral Pterygoid Muscle Nerve supply

A branch from the anterior division of the mandibular nerve.

Lateral Pterygoid Muscle Actions

• Depression of mandible to open the mouth; while doing so, muscle pulls the articular disc forwards.
• Protrusion of mandible.
• Along with ipsilateral medial pterygoid muscle, it pushes the chin to the opposite side.