The inferior head of the lateral pterygoid is unique in being active during mouth opening rather than closing. It pulls the mandibular condyle anteriorly during jaw opening and is the primary protrusor of the mandible.
| Origin | Lateral surface of the lateral pterygoid plate of the sphenoid |
|---|---|
| Insertion | Neck of the mandibular condyle and articular disc |
| Nerve Supply | Lateral pterygoid nerve — branch of mandibular nerve (V3) |
| Blood Supply | Pterygoid branches of maxillary artery |
| Actions | Opens the mouth — the inferior head contracts during jaw opening (opposite to other jaw muscles); Protrudes the mandible; Produces lateral jaw excursion to the opposite side |
|---|
The inferior head's attachment to the condylar neck is the site of traction that produces the condyle's forward slide in jaw opening. In condylar fracture surgery, the inferior head attachment contributes to the medial displacement of the condylar segment. Lateral pterygoid botulinum injection targets the inferior head for TMJ hypermobility and chronic dislocation.
Not externally palpable — accessed via intra-oral approach.
Inferior head lateral pterygoid pull on the condylar neck displacing the condylar fragment medially in subcondylar fractures, complicating closed reduction.
This website uses cookies to enhance your experience. Some are essential for site functionality, while others help us analyze and improve your usage experience. Please review your options and make your choice.
If you are under 16 years old, please ensure that you have received consent from your parent or guardian for any non-essential cookies.
Your privacy is important to us. You can adjust your cookie settings at any time. For more information about how we use data, please read our privacy policy. You may change your preferences at any time by clicking on the settings button below.
Note that if you choose to disable some types of cookies, it may impact your experience of the site and the services we are able to offer.
Some required resources have been blocked, which can affect third-party services and may cause the site to not function properly.
This website uses cookies to enhance your browsing experience and ensure the site functions properly. By continuing to use this site, you acknowledge and accept our use of cookies.
