Aim: To investigate the disc-capsule complex and condyle attachments of the lateral pterygoid muscle and its variations
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.
