MUSCULUS PTERYGOIDEUS LATERALIS, PES MENISCI E AREA PTERIGO MANDIBULAR DA ARTICULACAO TEMPOROMANDIBULAR DO SAGUI

Abstract

The relationship between the articular disc and the lateral pterygoid muscle was studied in 3 adult marmosets (Callithrix jacchus). The pieces were decalcified, embedded in paraffin, and cut in both sagittal and frontal views for histologic study. Based on the obtained data, it was possible to conclude that: only the upper fibers of the superior head of the lateral pterygoid muscle are attached to the articular disc; the lower fibers of the superior head of the lateral pterygoid muscle present a slight anatomical relation to the articular disc, and they are oriented toward the capsule; the fibers of the inferior head are attached to the pterygoid fovea of the mandible.