Spry Juncture, LLC
How to Evolve Gracefully
Medial Pterygoids
Region
📷 Medial pterygoid muscle animation by Anatomography, via Wikimedia Commons, licensed under CC BY-SA 2.1 JP
Origin & Insertion
['Origin: Medial surface of lateral pterygoid plate of sphenoid bone', 'Insertion: Medial surface of mandible near angle']
Synergistic Muscles
['Masseter', 'Temporalis']
Joints
['Temporomandibular joint (TMJ)']
Primary Actions
['Elevation of mandible', 'Lateral movement of jaw (grinding)']
Nerve & Spinal Segment
Mandibular branch of trigeminal nerve (CN V3)
Cranial nerve; from trigeminal ganglion
Interesting
Works in tandem with lateral pterygoid to provide rotary chewing. [Clinically Oriented Anatomy]
Reversal of Action
Stabilize mandible while flexing neck
Common Dysfunctions
Asymmetrical bite, TMJ dysfunction
How to Stretch
Open mouth wide while gently pulling jaw side to side.
Trigger Points
How to Strengthen
Chewing exercises with resistance (gum, jaw exerciser).
Concentric Action
Close jaw with slight lateral deviation
Applications:
Assists in symmetrical bite patterning
Eccentric Action
Open jaw while resisting medial deviation
Isotonic Action
Controlled jaw shift medially during chewing
Related Conditions
['TMJ dysfunction', 'Malocclusion']
Isometric Action
Hold jaw medially against side pressure
Exercise Ideas
['Lateral jaw glides', 'Isometric side bite', 'Resistance chewing']