Medial pterygoid

Medial Pterygoid

The Medial Pterygoid is a thick, quadrilateral muscle of mastication that is located in the human skull. It is one of the four muscles responsible for the movements of the jaw and plays a crucial role in the process of chewing.

Anatomy

The Medial Pterygoid is composed of two heads - the deep head and the superficial head. The deep head originates from the medial surface of the lateral pterygoid plate, while the superficial head originates from the maxillary tuberosity and the pyramidal process of the palatine bone. The muscle fibers of the Medial Pterygoid run downward, laterally, and posteriorly, and insert into the medial surface of the angle and lower half of the lateral surface of the mandibular ramus.

Function

The primary function of the Medial Pterygoid is to act in synergy with the Masseter to elevate the mandible, thereby closing the jaw. It also contributes to protrusion of the mandible, and the unilateral action of the muscle helps in the side to side movement of the jaw, aiding in the grinding action of the teeth.

Clinical Significance

Dysfunction of the Medial Pterygoid can lead to several conditions such as Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMJ), Bruxism (teeth grinding), and Oromandibular Dystonia. These conditions can cause symptoms like jaw pain, difficulty in opening and closing the mouth, and abnormal jaw movements.

See Also

• Lateral Pterygoid
• Masseter
• Temporalis
• Mastication

References

• Gray's Anatomy
• Anatomy of the Human Body