Medial pterygoid muscle

Medial Pterygoid Muscle

Medial Pterygoid Muscle (shown in red)
Latin	Musculus pterygoideus medialis
Nerve	Mandibular nerve
System	Muscular system

The Medial Pterygoid Muscle is one of the muscles of mastication. It is a thick, quadrilateral muscle that is similar in structure and function to the masseter muscle.

Origin and Insertion

The Medial Pterygoid Muscle originates from the medial surface of the lateral pterygoid plate, the pyramidal process of the palatine bone, and the maxillary tuberosity. It inserts into the medial surface of the angle and lower half of the ramus of the mandible.

Function

The Medial Pterygoid Muscle works in conjunction with the lateral pterygoid muscle to allow the jaw to open and close, and to move side to side. It also helps to elevate and protrude the mandible.

Clinical Significance

Dysfunction of the Medial Pterygoid Muscle can lead to temporomandibular joint disorder, a condition that can cause pain and difficulty in moving the jaw.

See Also

• Muscles of mastication
• Lateral pterygoid muscle
• Masseter muscle

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