Insertions of the lateral pterygoid muscle to the disc-capsule complex of the temporomandibular joint and condyle

Abstract

Aim: To investigate the disc-capsule complex and condyle attachments of the lateral pterygoid muscle and its variations Materials and methods: Forty-nine temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) specimens were used, obtained from 26 human cadavers The insertion point of each muscle head was determined The widths and lengths of the heads were measured Results: In 32 specimens, 2-headed muscles were present, while 3 heads were observed in 17 specimens We defined 4 different types of attachments of muscle heads In the most common type of attachment, the upper head inserted into the disc-capsule complex and condyle, and the lower head Inserted Into the condyle (36 7%). In the second type, the upper head Inserted into the disc-capsule complex and the lower head inserted into the condyle In the third type, both heads inserted into the condyle In the fourth type, the upper head inserted into the disc-capsule complex and the lower head Inserted into the complex and condyle Conclusion: Detailed knowledge of the morphology of the lateral pterygoid muscle will provide great benefit in addressing temporomandibular Joint problems. The results of the present study will be helpful for further clinical, radiological, and anatomical research