When it comes to restorative dentistry, one essential process you might encounter is teeth etching. This technique is a crucial step in ensuring the strong, durable bond of dental materials to your natural tooth structure. Here’s an in-depth overview to help you understand what teeth etching is, why it’s important, and how it’s done.
The lateral pterygoid muscle is a key player in the movements of the mandible, specifically in opening the mouth and moving the jaw side-to-side. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the lateral pterygoid muscle, detailing its anatomy, function, and clinical significance.
Aspect
Details
Origin
Superior head: Roof of the infratemporal fossa (greater wing of the sphenoid and infratemporal crest). Inferior head: Lateral surface of the lateral pterygoid plate.
Insertion
Superior head: Capsule of the TMJ and articular disc. Inferior head: Pterygoid fovea on the neck of the mandible.
Action
Bilateral: Protraction of the mandible, assists in depression (opening the mouth). Unilateral: Contralateral excursion (lateral movement).
Innervation
Nerve to the lateral pterygoid, a branch of the mandibular nerve (cranial nerve V3).
The medial pterygoid muscle is a significant muscle of mastication, located on the medial aspect of the mandibular ramus. This muscle, along with others, is crucial for the elevation of the mandible, playing a vital role in chewing and other jaw movements. This article delves into the anatomy, function, and clinical relevance of the medial pterygoid muscle.
Key Facts
Details
Origin
Superficial head: Tuberosity of the maxilla and pyramidal process of the palatine bone. Deep head: Medial surface of the lateral plate of the pterygoid process and pterygoid fossa.
Insertion
Pterygoid rugosity on the medial aspect of the mandibular ramus, near the angle of the mandible.
Action
Elevation of the mandible (closing the mouth), assistance in protrusion of the mandible, and lateral movement of the mandible (contralateral).
Innervation
Nerve to the medial pterygoid, a branch of the mandibular nerve (cranial nerve V3).