Lateral pterygoid

Definition

The lateral pterygoid is a muscle of mastication that assists in opening the jaw and moving it from side to side. It originates from the lateral pterygoid plate of the sphenoid bone and inserts onto the condyle of the mandible.

Related terms

Masseter: A facial muscle that plays a major role in the chewing of solid foods, elevating the mandible to close the mouth.

Temporalis: A broad, fan-shaped muscle on each side of the head that aids in elevating the mandible and closing the jaw.

Mandible:

The lower jawbone, which forms part of the skull and is moved by muscles including the lateral pterygoid during mastication