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The Lateral Pterygoid is a muscle of mastication that moves the mandible at the temporomandibular joints (TMJs). The primary muscles of mastication are:
- Temporalis
- Masseter
- Lateral Pterygoid
- Medial Pterygoid
The Lateral Pterygoid has two heads: Superior Head and Inferior Head.
ATTACHMENTS:
- Sphenoid bone to the mandible and temporomandibular joint (TMJ).
- The inferior head attaches onto the neck of the mandible.
- The superior head attaches into the joint capsule and articular disc of the TMJ.
ACTIONS:
- Protracts the mandible at the TMJs.
- Contralaterally the mandible at the TMJs.
NOTES:
- Having attachments directly into the articular structures of the TMJ, the lateral pterygoid is especially important to assess and treat in clients who have any sort of TMJ dysfunction.
- The lateral pterygoid is so-named because it attaches onto the sphenoid bone more laterally than the medial pterygoid.
