Abstract
The purpose of this study is to investigate the fundamental property of the superior head of the lateral pterygoid muscle (LPT) of the human beings. The experiments were performed on 6 subjects. Electromyographic activity of the superior head of LPT were simultaneously recorded with masseter, temporal and digastric muscle. The findings may be summarized as follows: 1. Superior head of LPT showed the maximum activity during closing and clenching. 2. Superior head of LPT showed remarkable tonic activity at rest position and notable activity during swallowing and passive retrusion. 3. Superior head of LPT activity was related to vertical dimension and bite force quantitatively, but such relationship was quite different from masseter and temporal muscle. 4. Jaw-jerk reflex was evoked by mechanical chin tap in the superior head of LPT, masseter and temporal muscle showing identical time course. 5. Periodontal excitatory reflex was evoked by mechanical tooth stimulation in the superior head of LPT and temporal muscle. From these findings it was concluded that superior head of LPT was qualitatively similar to but quantitatively distinct from jaw closing muscles such as masseter and temporal muscle.
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