Lateral Pterygoid Muscle - Attachments, Actions & Innervation
Medial Pterygoid Muscle – Attachments, Actions & Innervation
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The medial pterygoid muscle is one of the four muscles of mastication. It is a powerful elevator of the mandible and is particularly active in chewing.
Medial Pterygoid Muscle
Attachments of Medial Pterygoid Muscle: Origin & Insertion
Origin: (proximal attachments):
a. Superficial head: tuberosity of maxilla.
a. Deep head: medial surface of lateral pterygoid plate and palatine bone.
Insertion: (distal attachments):
Medial surface of ramus and angle of mandible.
Actions of Medial Pterygoid Muscle on the mandible:
Together:
a. 
Elevate mandible.
b. Protract (or protrude) mandible.
Individually: they move the mandible side to side.
Learn the facial muscles easily with these quizzes and labeled diagrams.
Nerve to Muscle and its Spinal Segment:
Mandibular branch of trigemminal nerve (V).
Overview:
Muscles of Mastication
Test yourself while observing the Medial Pterygoid Muscle
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