Lateral pterygoid muscle

Inferior part: outer surface of the lamina lateralis of the pterygoid process

Inferior part: Condylar process of the mandible

Unilateral movement: allows grinding motion

The lateral pterygoid muscle (Latin for lateral or outer wing muscle) is one of the four muscles of mastication.

Function

The lateral pterygoid muscle is unique among masticatory muscles a special position because it does not serve the jaw closure, but on the one hand opens her mouth and the other hand pulls the lower jaw forward. In this way it contributes to grind the food. The retraction is controlled in this process, the posterior portion of the temporal muscle.

Other muscles of mastication

  • Medial pterygoid muscle
  • Masseter
  • Temporalis muscle
Temporomandibular joint Nerve fiber List of muscles of the human body
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