Spry Juncture, LLC
How to Evolve Gracefully
Lateral Pterygoids
Region
📷 Gray — musculus pterygoideus lateralis by Henry Vandyke Carter, via Wikimedia Commons, in the Public domain
Origin & Insertion
['Origin: Greater wing and lateral surface of lateral pterygoid plate (sphenoid)', 'Insertion: Neck of mandible and articular disc of TMJ']
Synergistic Muscles
['Digastric', 'Medial pterygoid']
Joints
['Temporomandibular joint (TMJ)']
Primary Actions
['Depression of mandible', 'Protraction of jaw', 'Lateral deviation']
Nerve & Spinal Segment
Mandibular branch of trigeminal nerve (CN V3)
Cranial nerve; from trigeminal ganglion
Interesting
Only muscle of mastication that assists with opening the jaw. [Grant’s Atlas of Anatomy]
Reversal of Action
Stabilize jaw and tilt head upward
Common Dysfunctions
Jaw clicking, disc displacement
How to Stretch
Open mouth and glide jaw side to side for lateral activation.
Trigger Points
How to Strengthen
Resisted jaw opening with hand or band.
Concentric Action
Open jaw or protrude jaw forward
Applications:
Important for TMJ disc control and jaw tracking
Eccentric Action
Control retraction of the jaw after protrusion
Isotonic Action
Jaw glides forward/backward with control
Related Conditions
['TMJ disorder', 'Jaw hypermobility']
Isometric Action
Hold jaw slightly forward against hand
Exercise Ideas
['Protraction slides', 'Resisted jaw open', 'Lateral shift holds']