Main function of both lateral pterygoids acting together is
1) Elevation of niandlble
2) Depression of mandible
3) Side to side movement
4) Prutrusion of mandible
📝 Explanation:
Lateral pterygoid (paired action):
When both muscles contract together, they pull the condyles and articular discs forward → protrusion of the mandible.
This is important in opening the mouth beyond the initial hinge movement.
Unilateral contraction:
Produces side-to-side (lateral) movements of the mandible, useful in grinding food.
Elevation/Depression:
Elevation is mainly by masseter, temporalis, medial pterygoid.
Depression is mainly by suprahyoid muscles (digastric, geniohyoid, mylohyoid) and gravity.
Lateral pterygoid assists in depression only indirectly by pulling the condyle forward, but its primary function is protrusion.
MCQ