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Pterygoideus proprius muscle: stuck between the greater wing and lateral pterygoid plate
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Affiliations- Department of Anatomy, Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine, Erie, PA, United States
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Abstract
The muscles of mastication derive from a common embryological source, and the presence of accessory muscles in the infratemporal fossa (ITF) is uncommon. Here, we present findings from postmortem dissection of the ITF revealing a unilaterally present muscle extending from the greater wing of the sphenoid to blend inferiorly with the medial and lateral pterygoid muscles before attaching to the lateral pterygoid plate. This muscle is most consistent with the pterygoideus proprius muscle initially described in 1858. Though the exact embryological origin and function of this muscle remain speculative, these topics are nonetheless worth investigating as it may provide insight regarding the ontogeny of muscles descending from the first pharyngeal arch. Additionally, presence of the pterygoideus proprius muscle may have clinical implications and impact surrounding structures such as the mandibular division of the trigeminal nerve, maxillary artery, pterygoid venous plexus, masticatory muscles, and temporomandibular joint (TMJ).
Abstract
The muscles of mastication derive from a common embryological source, and the presence of accessory muscles in the infratemporal fossa (ITF) is uncommon. Here, we present findings from postmortem dissection of the ITF revealing a unilaterally present muscle extending from the greater wing of the sphenoid to blend inferiorly with the medial and lateral pterygoid muscles before attaching to the lateral pterygoid plate. This muscle is most consistent with the pterygoideus proprius muscle initially described in 1858. Though the exact embryological origin and function of this muscle remain speculative, these topics are nonetheless worth investigating as it may provide insight regarding the ontogeny of muscles descending from the first pharyngeal arch. Additionally, presence of the pterygoideus proprius muscle may have clinical implications and impact surrounding structures such as the mandibular division of the trigeminal nerve, maxillary artery, pterygoid venous plexus, masticatory muscles, and temporomandibular joint (TMJ).
Keywords
muscles of mastication, dissection, infratemporal fossa, temporomandibular joint
About this articleTitle
Pterygoideus proprius muscle: stuck between the greater wing and lateral pterygoid plate
Journal
Issue
Article type
Case report
Published online
2024-04-24
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13
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13
Keywords
muscles of mastication
dissection
infratemporal fossa
temporomandibular joint
Authors
Claire E. Stoudemire
Brittney L. Link
Faith M. Klein
Caitlin N. Sachsenmeier
Randy J. Kulesza
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