Topographic Anatomy of the Lateral Pterygoid Muscle: Implications for Landmark-Guided Extraoral Interventions
Abstract
This study aimed to define the topographic anatomy and morphometry of the lateral pterygoid muscle (LPM) and the lateral pterygoid plate (LPP) in relation to superficial facial landmarks. The objective was to enhance the anatomic foundation for safe and effective extraoral interventions in temporomandibular disorders (TMD), such as botulinum toxin and dry needling procedures. Dissections were performed on 30 hemifacial cadaver specimens (18 female and 12 male). The length and thickness of the superior and inferior heads of the LPM and their vertical and transverse distances to the angulus oris, tragus, and lateral canthus were measured. The orientation of the LPP relative to these landmarks and its angle with the maxillary tuberosity (pterygomaxillary angle) were also assessed and categorized. The inferior head of the LPM was significantly longer and thicker than the superior head ( P
Fields of Study & Subjects
Temporomandibular Joint Disorders
Facial Rejuvenation and Surgery Techniques
Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics
Publication details
- Journal / source
- Journal of Craniofacial Surgery
- Publisher
- Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
- Volume
- 37
- Issue
- 6
- Pages
- 1745–1750
- Publication date
- 5 January 2026
- Language
- EN