Anatomy Archives

Lateral Pterygoid Muscle

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).
Blood Supply	Pterygoid branches of the maxillary artery.

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July 13, 2024

Anatomy

Medial Pterygoid Muscle

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).
Blood Supply	Pterygoid branches of the maxillary artery.

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July 13, 2024

Anatomy

Masseter Muscle

The masseter muscle is one of the most powerful muscles of mastication, playing a crucial role in the elevation of the mandible (jaw). Its strength and positioning make it essential for chewing and other jaw movements. This article explores the anatomy, function, and clinical relevance of the masseter muscle in detail.

Key Fact	Details
Origin	Superficial head: Maxillary process of the zygomatic bone and inferior aspect of the anterior two-thirds of the zygomatic arch. Deep head: Medial aspect of the zygomatic arch and inferior margin of the posterior third of the zygomatic arch.
Insertion	Superficial head: Angle of the mandible and lateral surface of the mandibular ramus. Deep head: Central and upper part of the mandibular ramus, extending as high as the coronoid process.
Action	Elevation of the mandible (closing the mouth), protrusion of the mandible (superficial fibers), retrusion of the mandible (deep fibers), and lateral movement of the mandible (ipsilateral).
Innervation	Masseteric nerve, a branch of the mandibular nerve (cranial nerve V3).
Blood Supply	Masseteric artery, a branch of the maxillary artery, and muscular branches of the transverse facial artery (superficial temporal artery).

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July 13, 2024