Medial pterygoid origin and insertion

Medial pterygoid runs from the sphenoid bone, palatine bone and maxilla to the mandible.

What are the origin and insertion of medial pterygoid?

Medial pterygoid arises from the lateral pterygoid plate of the sphenoid, its inner surface; the pyramidal process of the palatine bone; and the tuberosity of the maxilla. It inserts on the inner surface of the ramus and angle of the mandible. Its main action is elevation of the mandible. It is supplied by the nerve to medial pterygoid (V3), from the mandibular division of the trigeminal nerve. The attachments, actions and nerve follow Gray (1918).

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Every attachment and its bone

Origins 3

Origins of medial pterygoid, with the bone each is on
Attachment	Bone
Lateral pterygoid plate of the sphenoid, its inner surface	Sphenoid bone
Pyramidal process of the palatine bone	Palatine bone
Tuberosity of the maxilla	Maxilla

Insertion 1

Insertion of medial pterygoid, with the bone each is on
Attachment	Bone
Inner surface of the ramus and angle of the mandible	Mandible

Actions

The actions of medial pterygoid, and which are its main ones
Action	What moves	Main or assisting
Jaw elevation	The mouth closes	Main action
Side to side	The jaw shifts across, as in grinding	Assists

Each action is stated in the anatomical position: standing, arms by the sides, palms forward.

Innervation

The nerve to medial pterygoid (V3), from the mandibular division of the trigeminal nerve.

Sources

Gray (1918), Myology, the muscles of mastication

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