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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 18, 2026

Levator Auris Longus Preparation for Examination of Mammalian Neuromuscular Transmission Under Voltage Clamp Conditions

Levator Auris Longus Preparation for Examination of Mammalian Neuromuscular Transmission Under Voltage Clamp Conditions

Published on: May 5, 2018

The human lateral pterygoid muscle.

Greg M Murray¹, Manish Bhutada, Christopher C Peck

¹Jaw Function and Orofacial Pain Research Unit, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Sydney, Level 3, Westmead Centre for Oral Health, Westmead Hospital, Westmead, NSW 2145, Australia. gregm@usyd.edu.au

Archives of Oral Biology

|December 5, 2006

Summary

This study investigated the human lateral pterygoid muscle

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Area of Science:

Neurology
Biomedical Engineering
Pain Research

Background:

Temporomandibular disorders (TMD) involve chronic orofacial pain, with the lateral pterygoid muscle playing a key role.
The exact function of the lateral pterygoid muscle in TMD and its interaction with pain and motor control remains unclear.

Purpose of the Study:

To elucidate the functional properties of the human lateral pterygoid muscle.
To investigate the impact of experimental masseter muscle pain on jaw muscle activity and movement, particularly in the lateral pterygoid muscle.

Main Methods:

Recorded jaw movement and electromyographic (EMG) activity from jaw muscles, including the lateral pterygoid.
Utilized computer tomography imaging for accurate electrode placement verification.
Studied the effects of experimental masseter muscle pain on jaw muscle function and movement.

Main Results:

Defined detailed functional properties of the lateral pterygoid muscle, supporting its role as a graded-activity muscle system.
Preliminary findings indicate significant effects of experimental muscle pain on jaw muscle activity and movement patterns.

Conclusions:

The lateral pterygoid muscle functions as a graded-activity system influenced by biomechanical demands.
Experimental muscle pain demonstrably alters jaw muscle activity and motor function, offering insights into TMD mechanisms.