Superior head of lateral pterygoid muscle - Oral cavity - Muscles - e-Anatomy
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Superior head of lateral pterygoid muscle

Caput superius musculi pterygoidei lateralis

  • Synonym: Upper head of lateral pterygoid muscle; Sphenomeniscus muscle
  • Related terms: Upper head; Superior head; Lateral pterygoid (Upper head; Superior head); Lateral pterygoid: Upper head; Superior head

Definition

Muhammad A. Javaid

The superior head of lateral pterygoid muscle arises from the infratemporal surface and crest of the greater wing of the sphenoid bone. Its fibres run posteriorly and laterally to insert into the articular capsule and intra-articular disc of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), and partly into the neck of the mandible (pterygoid fovea).

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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