Lateral Pterygoid Muscle (Inferior Head)

The larger, inferior belly of the lateral pterygoid muscle, originating from the lateral surface of the lateral pterygoid plate of the sphenoid bone. It courses posterolaterally to insert primarily into the pterygoid fovea on the anterior surface of the neck of the mandibular condyle. Bilateral contraction acts to protrude and depress the mandible (initiating jaw opening), while unilateral contraction draws the mandible to the contralateral side to facilitate the side-to-side grinding motions of mastication.