Medial pterygoid nerve: Difference between revisions
CSV import Tags: mobile edit mobile web edit |
No edit summary |
||
| Line 27: | Line 27: | ||
{{stub}} | {{stub}} | ||
<gallery> | <gallery> | ||
File:Nervuspterygoideusmedialis.png|Nervus pterygoideus medialis | File:Nervuspterygoideusmedialis.png|Nervus pterygoideus medialis | ||
File:Gray782_updated.png|Gray 782 updated | File:Gray782_updated.png|Gray 782 updated | ||
</gallery> | </gallery> | ||
Latest revision as of 00:40, 17 March 2025
Medial Pterygoid Nerve
The Medial Pterygoid Nerve is a branch of the Mandibular Nerve, which is the third division of the Trigeminal Nerve. It is primarily responsible for the innervation of the Medial Pterygoid Muscle, a muscle of mastication.
Etymology[edit]
The term "Pterygoid" is derived from the Greek words "pteryx" and "eidos", meaning "wing" and "form" respectively. This is in reference to the wing-like shape of the pterygoid process, where the medial pterygoid muscle and consequently the medial pterygoid nerve are located.
Anatomy[edit]
The medial pterygoid nerve branches off from the mandibular nerve, near the Foramen Ovale. It then travels to the medial pterygoid muscle, providing motor innervation. In addition to the medial pterygoid muscle, the nerve also supplies the Tensor Veli Palatini and the Tensor Tympani, muscles involved in the function of the Eustachian Tube and the Middle Ear respectively.
Clinical Significance[edit]
Damage to the medial pterygoid nerve can result in difficulty in chewing and swallowing, due to the impaired function of the medial pterygoid muscle and the tensor veli palatini. This can be a result of trauma, surgical complications, or pathological conditions such as Trigeminal Neuralgia.
