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.
