Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated August 2025
Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated August 2025
Definition
The medial pterygoid is a thick, quadrilateral muscle of mastication that assists in closing the jaw and moving it side to side. It originates from the medial surface of the lateral pterygoid plate and inserts into the inner surface of the mandible.
Masseter: A facial muscle that plays a major role in the chewing of solid foods, working alongside the medial pterygoid to close the jaw.
Temporalis: Another muscle involved in mastication, which elevates and retracts the mandible, complementing the action of the medial pterygoid for efficient chewing.
Lateral Pterygoid: A muscle that works oppositely to the medial pterygoid, aiding in opening the jaw and moving it from side to side