El pterigoideo lateral es un músculo masticatorio. Es un músculo de forma triangular con dos cabezas: la superior y la inferior. Inserciones: La cabeza superior se origina en el ala mayor del esfenoides. La cabeza inferior se origina en la placa pterigoidea lateral del esfenoides. Las dos cabezas convergen en un tendón que se inserta en el cuello de la mandíbula. Acciones: Acción bilateral: protrusión de la mandíbula y descenso del mentón. Acción unilateral: movimiento «de lado a lado» de la mandíbula. Inervación: nervio mandibular (V3). Irrigación sanguínea: rama pterigoidea de la arteria maxilar. By TeachMeSeries Ltd (2026) Fig. 1: los músculos pterigoideos medial y lateral. Característica Pro - Modelo en 3D 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 pterigoid muscle lateral? The pterigoid muscle lateral is a triangular masticatory muscle with two heads, known as the superior and inferior heads. It plays a crucial role in jaw movement. What are the attachments of the lateral pterygoid muscle? The superior head of the lateral pterygoid muscle originates from the greater wing of the sphenoid bone, while the inferior head originates from the lateral pterygoid plate of the sphenoid. Both heads converge into a tendon that attaches to the neck of the mandible. What actions does the lateral pterygoid muscle perform? The lateral pterygoid muscle facilitates bilateral actions such as protrusion and depression of the mandible, and unilateral actions that enable side-to-side movement of the jaw. These movements are essential for effective chewing. 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 innervation is vital for its motor function during mastication. What is the blood supply to the lateral pterygoid muscle? The blood supply to the lateral pterygoid muscle comes from the pterygoid branches of the maxillary artery. This vascularisation supports the muscle's metabolic needs during its active functions. Valora este artículo