The lateral pterygoid (or external pterygoid) is a muscle of mastication with two heads.

The upper head originates on the infratemporal surface of the sphenoid bone, and the lower head on the lateral surface of the lateral pterygoid plate.

Both heads insert onto the pterygoid fovea under the condyloid process of the mandible.

It acts to lower the mandible, open the jaw, and help the medial pterygoids in moving the jaw from side to side (mastication).

External links

Muscles of the head and neck

Musculus pterygoideus lateralis | Muscle ptérygoïdien latéral | 外側翼突筋