Lateral Pterygoid

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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:

1. 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.
2. The lateral pterygoid is so-named because it attaches onto the sphenoid bone more laterally than the medial pterygoid.