medial pterygoid (internal pterygoid)

Introduction

Masticatory muscle of infratemporal fossa.

Origin

pterygoid fossa of sphenoid & tuberosity of maxilla

Insertion

• medial surface of mandible between angle & mylohyoid groove

Action

elevates mandible, closing jaw

Innervation

• nerve to the medial pterygoid from motor root of the trigeminal nerve via mandibular division

More general terms

• skeletal muscle (voluntary muscle)