Muscle
Lateral pterygoid
Advances the mandibular condyle
High-yield
Among the four main muscles of mastication, lateral pterygoid assists jaw opening. Both sides help protrude the jaw; unequal activity produces lateral movement. Other muscles also contribute to opening.
Overview
Lateral pterygoid runs from the sphenoid toward the mandibular neck and temporomandibular joint. Its two heads contribute to controlled jaw movement, including forward translation of the condyle during opening.
Reference facts
- Origin
- Upper head: infratemporal surface of the sphenoid greater wing. Lower head: lateral surface of the lateral pterygoid plate
- Insertion
- Pterygoid fovea on the mandibular neck, with variable fibers to the TMJ disc and capsule
- Action
- Advances the mandible, assists opening and contributes to side-to-side movement
- Innervation
- Nerve to lateral pterygoid from the mandibular division of CN V (V3)
- Blood supply
- Pterygoid branches of the maxillary artery
Clinical correlation
With unilateral pterygoid weakness from a motor V3 lesion, the jaw tends to move toward the weak side on opening. Disc and capsular attachments vary between individuals.
Frequently asked questions
What does the lateral pterygoid do?
The lateral pterygoid advances the mandible, assists opening and contributes to side-to-side movement.
What nerve innervates the lateral pterygoid?
The lateral pterygoid is innervated by the nerve to lateral pterygoid from the mandibular division of CN V (V3).
Where does the lateral pterygoid attach?
Origin: Upper head: infratemporal surface of the sphenoid greater wing. Lower head: lateral surface of the lateral pterygoid plate. Insertion: Pterygoid fovea on the mandibular neck, with variable fibers to the TMJ disc and capsule.
What is the blood supply of the lateral pterygoid?
The lateral pterygoid is supplied by the pterygoid branches of the maxillary artery.