Lateral pterygoid muscle
| Lateral pterygoid muscle |
|---|
|
| origin |
|
Pars superior : Lamina lateralis of the Ala major ossis sphenoidalis Pars inferior : |
| approach |
|
Pars superior : Discus articularis of the temporomandibular joint Pars inferior : |
| function |
| bilateral contraction: protrusion (advancement of the lower jaw and advancement of the articular disc) unilateral movement: |
| Innervation |
| Lateral pterygoid nerve from the mandibular nerve |
The lateral pterygoid muscle ( Latin for lateral or outer wing muscle ) is one of the four muscles of mastication .
function
The lateral pterygoid muscle occupies a special position among the masticatory muscles, as it does not serve to close the jaw, but on the one hand opens the mouth and on the other hand pulls the lower jaw forward. In this way he contributes to the grinding of the food. During this process, the rear part of the temporalis muscle is responsible for pulling back .