Any dental board exam will ask about the pterygoid muscles. This quick study aid will help you memorize their insertions, origins and functions.

1. PTERYGOID MUSCLES
LATERAL PTERYGOID
UPPER HEAD – Pull condyles forward
ORIGIN – Infratemporal surface of greater wing of the sphenoid bone.
INSERTION – Neck of mandibular condyle
LOWER HEAD – Pull condyles forward
ORIGIN – Lateral surface of lateral pterygoid plate of sphenoid bone.
INSERTION – Neck of mandibular condyle
MEDIAL PTERYGOID
DEEP HEAD – Elevates mandible
ORIGIN – Medial surface of lateral pterygoid plate
INSERTION – Medial aspect of angle of mandible
SUPERFICIAL HEAD – Elevates mandible
ORIGIN – Maxillary tuberosity
INSERTION -Medial aspect of angle of mandible