Inferior head of lateral pterygoid muscle
Caput inferius musculi pterygoidei lateralis
- Synonym: Lower head of lateral pterygoid muscle
- Related terms: Lower head; Inferior head; Lateral pterygoid (Lower head; Inferior head); Lateral pterygoid: Lower head; Inferior head
Definition
The inferior head of lateral pterygoid muscle arises from the lateral surface of the lateral pterygoid plate of the sphenoid bone. Its fibres pass posteriorly and laterally to insert into the pterygoid fovea on the neck of the mandible.
It is the primary active part of the muscle during protrusion of the mandible. Unilateral contraction moves the mandible toward the opposite side, producing the side-to-side grinding movements of mastication.
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.
