Deep head of medial pterygoid muscle - MRI head and neck - Axial - e-Anatomy
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Deep head of medial pterygoid muscle

Caput profundum musculi pterygoidei medialis

Definition

Muhammad A. Javaid

The deep head of medial pterygoid muscle arises from the medial surface of the lateral pterygoid plate and the pyramidal process of the palatine bone. Its fibres descend posterolaterally to insert onto the medial surface of the ramus and angle of the mandible. It acts to elevate and assist in protrusion of the mandible, and during unilateral contraction, contributes to side-to-side grinding movements of the jaw.

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References

  • Basit H, Tariq MA, Siccardi MA. Anatomy, Head and Neck, Mastication Muscles. [Updated 2023 Jun 5]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK541027/

  • Gray, H. (2016) Gray’s Anatomy: The Anatomical Basis of Clinical Practice. 41st edn. Edited by S. Standring. New York: Elsevier. Chapter 32: Infratemporal and pterygopalatine fossae and temporomandibular joint, pp. 546-548.

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