Origin
Lateral pterygoid late, maxillary tuberosity, palatine bone.
Insertion
Mandible
Blood supply
Maxillary artery, facial artery.
Nerve supply
Trigeminal nerve.
Action
It helps to close the jaw, move the jaw forward and from side to side. It helps in chewing the food.
Disease/Injury
Due to injury to this muscle during any surgical procedure, the muscle contracts and goes into spasm causing trismus, i.e., limited opening of mouth.
Muscle Exercise
To strengthen this muscle, move the jaw from side to side whilst holding for 5 seconds on each side. Chewing gum or candy helps to strengthen the muscle.
Interesting facts
NA
