GROSS ANATOMY

Detailed explanation-1: -The unilateral contraction of the lateral pterygoid muscle with the ipsilateral medial pterygoid muscle results in lateral mandibular movement to the contralateral side.

Detailed explanation-2: -The medial pterygoid muscle is innervated by the medial pterygoid branch of the mandibular nerve. Its principal blood supply stems from the pterygoid branches of the maxillary artery. The major functions of this muscle are elevation of the mandible and side-to-side movements when grinding and chewing.

Detailed explanation-3: -The medial pterygoid muscle attaches to the angle of the mandible and to the lateral pterygoid plate to form a sling with the masseter muscle that suspends the mandible (Figure 6-19). The primary action is to elevate the mandible and laterally deviate it to the opposite side.

Detailed explanation-4: -The function of the masseter muscle is to elevate the mandible and approximate the teeth-additionally, the intermediate and deep muscle fibers of the masseter function to retract the mandible. And the superficial fibers function to protrude the mandible.

Detailed explanation-5: -Medial pterygoid usually acts together with other masticatory muscles. Therefore, its actions combine with those of other masticators to facilitate chewing and food grinding between the maxillary and mandibular teeth.