Muscle
Medial pterygoid
Elevates the jaw
High-yield
Mirrors masseter internally to elevate the jaw ("internal masseter"). CN V3.
Overview
A deep muscle mirroring the masseter on the inner mandible that elevates and helps protrude the jaw.
Reference facts
- Origin
Medial surface of the lateral pterygoid plate and tuberosity of the maxilla
- Insertion
Medial surface of the ramus and angle of the mandible
- Action
Elevates and helps protrude the mandible; contributes to grinding movements
- Innervation
Nerve to medial pterygoid from the mandibular division (CN V3)
- Blood supply
Pterygoid branches of the maxillary artery