Nervus pterygoideus lateralis

Nervus pterygoideus lateralis

The nervus pterygoideus lateralis is a branch of the mandibular nerve (V3) that innervates the pterygoid muscles in the head and neck region. It is an important nerve involved in the movement and function of the jaw.

Anatomy

The nervus pterygoideus lateralis originates from the mandibular nerve (V3), which is one of the three branches of the trigeminal nerve (V). It arises from the anterior division of the mandibular nerve and courses through the pterygopalatine fossa.

From the pterygopalatine fossa, the nervus pterygoideus lateralis descends and enters the pterygoid canal. It then divides into two branches: the medial pterygoid nerve and the lateral pterygoid nerve.

The medial pterygoid nerve innervates the medial pterygoid muscle, while the lateral pterygoid nerve innervates the lateral pterygoid muscle. These muscles are important for the movement of the jaw during chewing and speaking.

Function

The nervus pterygoideus lateralis plays a crucial role in the movement and function of the jaw. The medial pterygoid muscle, innervated by the medial pterygoid nerve, is responsible for elevating the mandible and closing the jaw. It works in coordination with the temporalis muscle and the masseter muscle to facilitate chewing and biting.

On the other hand, the lateral pterygoid muscle, innervated by the lateral pterygoid nerve, has a more complex function. It is involved in the protrusion, retrusion, and lateral movements of the mandible. It also plays a role in the opening of the jaw, working in opposition to the muscles that close the jaw.

Clinical Significance

Damage or dysfunction of the nervus pterygoideus lateralis can lead to various clinical manifestations. For example, injury to the medial pterygoid nerve can result in difficulty in closing the jaw and chewing properly. This can lead to problems with eating and speaking.

Similarly, damage to the lateral pterygoid nerve can cause issues with jaw movement, such as limited opening or deviation of the jaw during opening. This can result in pain, clicking sounds, and difficulty in performing normal jaw functions.

See Also

• Mandibular nerve
• Pterygoid muscles
• Trigeminal nerve