Medial Pterygoid

The medial pterygoid is a muscle of mastication (chewing). It has deep and superficial heads, and is located inferiorly to the lateral pterygoid.

• Attachments:
  • The superficial head originates from the maxillary tuberosity and the pyramidal process of palatine bone.
  • The deep head originates from the medial aspect of the lateral pterygoid plate of the sphenoid bone.
  • Both heads attach to the ramus of the mandible near the angle of mandible.

• Actions: Elevation of the mandible (closing the mouth).

• Innervation: Mandibular nerve (V₃).
• Blood Supply: Pterygoid branches of the maxillary, buccal and facial arteries.

By TeachMeSeries Ltd (2025)

Fig 1
The medial and lateral pterygoids.