What is lateral pterygoid plate?
The lateral pterygoid plate of the sphenoid (or lateral lamina of pterygoid process) is broad, thin, and everted and forms the lateral part of a horseshoe like process that extends from the inferior aspect of the sphenoid bone, and serves as the origin of the lateral pterygoid muscle, which functions in allowing the …
What muscles attach to medial pterygoid plate?
Musculotendinous
- lateral pterygoid muscle: the lower part of the lateral pterygoid is attached to the lateral aspect of the lateral pterygoid plate.
- medial pterygoid muscle: medial aspect of the lateral pterygoid plate.
- superior pharyngeal constrictor: inferior end of the medial pterygoid plate.
What is a Pterygoid plate?
a : a broad thin plate that forms the lateral part of the pterygoid process and gives attachment to the lateral pterygoid muscle on its lateral surface and to the medial pterygoid muscle on its medial surface.
What is the function of the pterygoid plate?
The primary function of the pterygoid muscles is to produce movements of the mandible at the temporomandibular joint. Both muscles are innervated by branches of the mandibular division of the trigeminal nerve (CN V3), and receive their blood supply from branches of the maxillary artery.
How do you test the lateral pterygoid muscle?
Attempted palpation of what has been thought to be this structure is commonly done by placing the forefinger, or the little finger, over the buccal area of the maxillary third molar region and exerting pressure in a posterior, superior, and medial direction behind the maxillary tuberosity (Figure 2).
How do you test for medial pterygoid?
To palpate from outside the mouth, the head is tilted slightly to access the muscle. Palpation with one finger locates trigger points on the inner surface of the mandible by pressing upward at its angle. Palpation of the mid-belly is performed inside the mouth with the pad of the palpating index finger.
How do you release a pterygoid muscle?
Gently squeeze the muscle between the index finger and the thumb. Start with a gentle pressure, and gradually increase the muscle squeeze as tolerated. Teach the patient to self-squeeze the lateral pterygoid muscle for 1 minute several times per day. Relief of the headache, jaw or facial pain is sometimes immediate.
What is a Pterygoid process?
: a process extending downward from each side of the sphenoid bone in humans and other mammals.
Which are functions of the medial and lateral pterygoid muscles?
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.
