What is the meaning of Medial Pterygoid Muscle?
Medial Pterygoid Muscle is widely used term in Dental Anatomy.
The medial pterygoid muscle is a muscle located in the oral cavity area of dental anatomy. It is one of the muscles involved in jaw movement and is responsible for various functions such as chewing, swallowing, and speaking.
The medial pterygoid muscle is located on the inner aspect of the mandible, specifically on the medial surface of the ramus and angle of the mandible. It consists of a deep and a superficial portion.
The deep portion of the medial pterygoid muscle arises from the medial surface of the lateral pterygoid plate of the sphenoid bone, while the superficial portion arises from the maxillary tuberosity. Both portions insert onto the medial surface of the mandible, on the inner side of the angle.
This muscle works in coordination with other muscles of mastication, such as the masseter muscle, to elevate the mandible during the closing of the jaws. It also assists in moving the mandible from side to side, helping in the grinding and chewing of food.
In summary, the medial pterygoid muscle plays an essential role in various oral functions related to jaw movement, contributing to chewing, swallowing, and speaking. Its location and attachments make it an important muscle in dental anatomy.
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