Where is the lateral and medial pterygoid muscles?
Pterygoid muscles. The pterygoid muscles are two of the four muscles of mastication, located in the infratemporal fossa of the skull. These muscles are: lateral pterygoid and medial pterygoid. The primary function of the pterygoid muscles is to produce movements of the mandible at the temporomandibular joint.
What happens if the lateral pterygoid muscle is damaged?
However, contracture of a single lateral pterygoid muscle cannot open the mouth but rather results in unproductive movement of the mandible to one side. The injured side is easily identified because the mandible will move towards the injury.
What do the medial and lateral pterygoid muscles do?
The medial pterygoid muscle attaches to the angle of the mandible and to the lateral pterygoid plate to form a sling with the masseter muscle that suspends the mandible (Figure 6-19). The primary action is to elevate the mandible and laterally deviate it to the opposite side.
Where does the pterygoid muscle attach?
Medial pterygoid muscleOriginSuperficial part: Tuberosity of maxilla, Pyramidal process of palatine bone; Deep part: Medial surface of lateral pterygoid plate of sphenoid boneInsertionMedial surface of ramus and angle of mandible3 more rows•May 11, 2020
How do you test the lateral pterygoid muscle?
Attempted palpation of what has been thought to be this structure is commonly done by placing the forefinger, or the little finger, over the buccal area of the maxillary third molar region and exerting pressure in a posterior, superior, and medial direction behind the maxillary tuberosity (Figure 2).
How do you massage lateral pterygoid?
1:435:08TMJ Jaw Pain Treatment | Lateral Pterygoid: Advanced Myofascial ...YouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThere are different things. But super-sensitive touch just patient waiting. Pressure is gentle butMoreThere are different things. But super-sensitive touch just patient waiting. Pressure is gentle but it's straight back. Once a minute or two is passed or breath one to three breaths.
What movement does the lateral pterygoid muscle perform?
Being a masticatory muscle, the lateral pterygoid aids in chewing and biting actions by controlling the movements of the mandible. The sphenoid attachment of the muscle is always fixed, meaning that the direction of pull is oriented towards it.
How do you release lateral pterygoid?
2:204:14Lateral Pterygoid Muscle - Trigger Point Release for Jaw and Cheek ...YouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo we'll just open your mouth gently. I'm putting my hand there you slip your tongue back I'mMoreSo we'll just open your mouth gently. I'm putting my hand there you slip your tongue back I'm turning my hand around. And just clench your teeth very gently.
Does lateral pterygoid close the mouth?
Function. The primary function of the lateral pterygoid muscle is to pull the head of the condyle out of the mandibular fossa along the articular eminence to protrude the mandible. A concerted effort of the lateral pterygoid muscles helps in lowering the mandible and opening the jaw.
Why is the lateral pterygoid called the peripheral heart?
These communications are important for spread of infections and for collateral circulation. The pterygoid muscles and other muscles of mastication pump the blood from this plexus and are considered a “peripheral heart”.
What nerve innervates the lateral pterygoid muscle?
The lateral pterygoid muscle receives innervation from the mandibular branch of the trigeminal nerve. The main trunk of the mandibular nerve divides into the anterior and the posterior division.
What is the action of lateral pterygoid?
Lateral Pterygoid. Depresses and protracts mandible to open mouth. Pulls forward cartilage of joint during opening of mouth. Aids in chewing.
How do you strengthen the lateral pterygoid muscle?
1:303:41Lateral pterygoid (inferior head) exercise - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo if a patient is clenching their super higher because the lateral pterygoid ZAR not functioningMoreSo if a patient is clenching their super higher because the lateral pterygoid ZAR not functioning well this will in great ways exacerbate the TMD because it increases joint shearing within the glenoid
What is the most common cause of restricted mandibular movement?
Muscle (extracapsular) and temporomandibular joint (intracapsular) disorders are often causes of limited mandibular movements.
What muscle pulls the jaw down?
The lateral pterygoid muscle pulls the mandible forwards (anterior translatory movement). During this process the mandible moves slightly downwards because the condyle is pressed down on the articular tubercle. The mandible is pulled backwards on closing by the posterior fibres of the temporalis muscle.
What is the function of the lateral pterygoid muscle?
The primary function of the lateral pterygoid muscle is to pull the head of the condyle out of the mandibular fossa along the articular eminence to protrude the mandible. A concerted effort of the lateral pterygoid muscles helps in lowering the mandible and opening the jaw, whereas unilateral action of a lateral pterygoid produces contralateral excursion (a form of mastication ), usually performed in concert with the medial pterygoids .
Which muscle has two heads?
Superior head: anterior side of the condyle. Inferior head: pterygoid fovea. The lateral pterygoid or external pterygoid is a muscle of mastication with two heads. It lies superiorly to the medial pterygoid .
Which muscle is used to depress the mandible?
Unlike the other three muscles of mastication, the lateral pterygoid is the only muscle of mastication that assists in depressing the mandible (opening the jaw). At the beginning of this action it is assisted by the digastric, mylohyoid and geniohyoid muscles.
Where does the lower inferior head originate?
The lower/inferior head originates on the lateral surface of the lateral pterygoid plate and inserts onto the neck of condyloid process of the mandible; upper/superior head.
Where does the upper head originate?
The upper/superior head originates on the infratemporal surface and infratemporal crest of the greater wing of the sphenoid bone and inserts onto the articular disc and fibrous capsule of the temporomandibular joint .
How many heads does the lateral pterygoid have?
The lateral pterygoid muscle has two heads, the superior head and inferior head. Each of these heads of the lateral pterygoid muscle has its own point of origin. The following chart describes the point of origin for each head of this muscle. Head of Lateral Pterygoid Muscle.
Where does the superior head of the pterygoid originate?
Head of Lateral Pterygoid Muscle. Point of Origin. Superior Head. Originates from the great wing of the sphenoid bone. The sphenoid bone is a small bone located on each side of the skull, right where the temples are located. The great wing of the sphenoid is a bony prominence that sticks out from the sphenoid bone.
What muscle is responsible for chewing food?
The lateral pterygoid muscle is a small, thick muscle located on each side of the skull that assists with mastication (chewing). This muscle functions to move the lower jaw forward, down, and side-to-side, which are all movements of the lower jaw that assist in chewing food. This muscle has two heads (the superior head and inferior head), ...
How many points of origin does the superior head have?
This muscle has two heads (the superior head and inferior head), which means that is also has two points of origin and two points of insertion. The points of origins include: Superior head: Originates from the great wing of the sphenoid bone. The sphenoid bone is a small bone located at each side of the skull.
What muscle allows mastication?
Think about the last great meal you ate, and all the amazing flavors that filled your mouth as you chewed. Now be sure to thank your lateral pterygoid muscle, a muscle that allowed this experience to happen. The lateral pterygoid muscle (sometimes called the external pterygoid muscle) is one of the muscles of mastication, ...
What is the great wing of the sphenoid?
The great wing of the sphenoid is a bony prominence that sticks out from the sphenoid bone. Inferior Head. Originates from the outer surface of the lateral pterygoid plate. The lateral pterygoid plate is a hook-shaped prominence at the bottom of the sphenoid bone.
Where is the superior head?
Superior head: Inserts on the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), which is a joint formed on each side of the skull where the mandible (lower jaw) attaches to the skull. Inferior head: Inserts on the condyloid process of the mandible, which is a bony prominence located at the back of each side of the mandible.
Overview
The lateral pterygoid muscle (or external pterygoid muscle) is a muscle of mastication. It has two heads. It lies superior to the medial pterygoid muscle. It is supplied by pterygoid branches of the maxillary artery, and the lateral pterygoid nerve (from the mandibular nerve, CN V3). It depresses and protrudes the mandible. When each muscle works independently, they can move the mandib…
Structure
The lateral pterygoid muscle has an upper head and a lower head.
• The upper head originates on the infratemporal surface and infratemporal crest of the greater wing of the sphenoid bone. It inserts onto the articular disc and fibrous capsule of the temporomandibular joint.
• The lower head originates on the lateral surface of the lateral pterygoid plate. It inserts onto the neck of condyloid process of the mandible.
Function
The primary function of the lateral pterygoid muscle is to pull the head of the condyle out of the mandibular fossa along the articular eminence to protrude the mandible. A concerted effort of the lateral pterygoid muscles helps in lowering the mandible and opening the jaw. Unilateral action of a lateral pterygoid muscle causes contralateral excursion (a form of mastication), usually performed in concert with the medial pterygoids. When they work independently, they can move …
Clinical significance
The lateral pterygoid muscle may be involved in temporomandibular joint dysfunction.
Additional images
• Sphenoid bone. Anterior and inferior surfaces.
• Mandible. Inner surface. Side view.
• Plan of branches of internal maxillary artery.
• Distribution of the maxillary and mandibular nerves, and the submaxillary ganglion.
External links
• lesson4 at The Anatomy Lesson by Wesley Norman (Georgetown University) (musclesofmastication2)
• MedicalMnemonics.com: 70
• "Anatomy diagram: 25420.000-1". Roche Lexicon - illustrated navigator. Elsevier. Archived from the original on 2015-02-26.
Lateral Pterygoid Plate
Lateral Pterygoid Muscle Anatomy
- The lateral pterygoid is a relatively short, thick, fan-shaped muscle that is located at each side of the jaw, directly under the temples. As previously mentioned, the lateral pterygoid has two muscle heads, and thus, it has two muscle bellies. A muscle belly refers to the widest point of a muscle. Since the lateral pterygoid has two muscle bellies...
Lateral Pterygoid Function
- What muscle opens the jaw? Answer: The lateral pterygoid Lateral pterygoid muscle action: The lateral pterygoid is often referred to as one of the muscles of mastication, which is the technical term for ''chewing''. In simpler terms, the lateral pterygoid muscle functions to move the mandible. The following chart describes the specific movements of the mandible caused by the lateral pter…
Injury and Rehabilitation
- Since the lateral pterygoid is a muscle of mastication, injury to or dysfunction of this muscle can impair a person's ability to chew and eat properly. Temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMD)is a term used to describe dysfunction or disorder of the muscles of mastication, including the lateral pterygoid. Symptoms of TMD include: 1. Pain in the temporomandibular joint 2. Clicking or popp…