MEDIAL PTERYGOID

• Origin

Medial surface of the lateral pterygoid plate of the sphenoid bone,
Pyramidal process of the palatine bone,
Tuberosity of the maxilla

• Insertion

Medial surface of the ramus and angle of the mandible

• Agonist(s)

Masseter,
Temporalis (for elevation of the mandible),
Lateral pterygoid (assists in some movements)

• Antagonist(s)

- Digastric (anterior belly),
- Geniohyoid,
- Mylohyoid (for depression of the mandible)

• Function

- Elevates the mandible (closes the jaw),
- Assists in protruding the mandible,
- Contributes to side-to-side (lateral) movements of the jaw.

TRIGGER POINT(S)

• Location

Trigger points are typically located in the deep belly of the muscle, near the mandible’s inner surface, making it challenging to palpate directly.

Trigger points can be activated by palpating through the mouth or along the medial side of the mandible.

• Pain Referral Pattern

Pain can refer to the jaw, deep inside the mouth, and along the lower teeth.

It often manifests as deep ear pain, sore throat sensations, or a dull ache in the upper neck and lower jaw.

Pain may also extend to the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) area and lower cheek.