Medial Pterygoid - Podcast Version 0:00 / 0:00 1x 0.25x 0.5x 0.75x 1x 1.25x 1.5x 1.75x 2x 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 (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 medial pterygoid muscle? The medial pterygoid is a muscle responsible for mastication, primarily involved in chewing. It consists of two heads, the deep and superficial, and is located beneath the lateral pterygoid muscle. Where does the medial pterygoid muscle attach? The superficial head of the medial pterygoid originates from the maxillary tuberosity and the pyramidal process of the palatine bone, while the deep head arises from the medial aspect of the lateral pterygoid plate of the sphenoid bone. Both heads insert at the ramus of the mandible, close to the angle of the mandible. What actions does the medial pterygoid muscle perform? The primary action of the medial pterygoid muscle is the elevation of the mandible, which facilitates the closing of the mouth. This movement is crucial for effective chewing. Which nerve innervates the medial pterygoid muscle? The medial pterygoid muscle is innervated by the mandibular nerve, also known as V3, which is a branch of the trigeminal nerve. This nerve provides the necessary motor function for the muscle's actions. What is the blood supply to the medial pterygoid muscle? The medial pterygoid muscle receives its blood supply from the pterygoid branches of the maxillary artery, along with contributions from the buccal and facial arteries. This vascular supply is essential for muscle function and health. Rate This Article