Lateral Pterygoid - Podcast Version 0:00 / 0:00 1x 0.25x 0.5x 0.75x 1x 1.25x 1.5x 1.75x 2x The lateral pterygoid is a muscle of mastication (chewing). It is triangular shaped muscle with superior and inferior heads. Attachments: The superior head originates from the greater wing of the sphenoid. The inferior head originates from the lateral pterygoid plate of the sphenoid. The two heads converge into a tendon which attaches to the neck of the mandible. Actions: Bilateral action – protraction of the mandible and depression of the chin. Unilateral action – ‘side to side’ movement of the jaw. Innervation: Mandibular nerve (V3). Blood Supply: Pterygoid branch of maxillary artery. By TeachMeSeries Ltd (2026) Fig 1The medial and lateral pterygoids. Pro Feature - 3D Model You've Discovered a Pro Feature Access our 3D Model Library Explore, cut, dissect, annotate and manipulate our 3D models to visualise anatomy in a dynamic, interactive way. Learn More Frequent questions What is the function of the lateral pterygoid muscle? The lateral pterygoid muscle is primarily responsible for protracting the mandible and depressing the chin during mastication. It also facilitates lateral movements of the jaw when acting unilaterally. Where does the lateral pterygoid muscle attach? The lateral pterygoid muscle has two heads: the superior head originates from the greater wing of the sphenoid, while the inferior head comes from the lateral pterygoid plate of the sphenoid. Both heads converge into a tendon that attaches to the neck of the mandible. How is the lateral pterygoid muscle innervated? The lateral pterygoid muscle is innervated by the mandibular nerve, which is the third division of the trigeminal nerve (V3). This nerve supplies the muscle to facilitate its actions during chewing. What blood supply nourishes the lateral pterygoid muscle? The blood supply to the lateral pterygoid muscle comes from the pterygoid branch of the maxillary artery. This ensures adequate oxygen and nutrients for the muscle's function during mastication. What clinical relevance does the lateral pterygoid muscle have? The lateral pterygoid muscle plays a crucial role in jaw movements, and dysfunction can lead to issues such as temporomandibular joint disorders. Understanding its anatomy is essential for diagnosing and treating jaw-related conditions. Rate This Article