LATERAL PTERYGOID
| ORIGIN Upper head: infratemporal surface of sphenoid bone. Lower head: lateral surface of lateral pterygoid plate |
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| INSERTION Pterygoid fovea below condyloid process of mandible and intra-articular cartilage of temporomandibular joint |
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| ACTION Depresses and protracts mandible to open mouth. Pulls forward cartilage of joint during opening of mouth. Aids in chewing. |
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| NERVE Nerves to lateral pterygoid (anterior division of mandibular nerve (V)) |