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 (2025) 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 Print Article Rate This Article