Muscle Pterygoid Medialis

The medial pterygoid muscle (lat. Musculus pterygoideus medialis) is a paired flat muscle of the human head, which is located on the lateral wall of the pharynx and is attached to the lateral surface of the body of the hyoid bone.

The muscle has the shape of a triangle, the base of which faces the hyoid bone, and the apex faces the tubercle. On top it is covered with the mucous membrane of the pharynx and has fibrous connective tissue.

The function of the medial pterygoid muscle is to lower and rotate the lower jaw, as well as to push it forward. This muscle is also involved in the act of swallowing.