From the Research
The coronoid process of the mandible lies between the lateral pterygoid muscle and the masseter muscle. This anatomical relationship is crucial for understanding jaw movement and temporomandibular joint function. The lateral pterygoid muscle attaches to the neck of the mandibular condyle and the articular disc of the temporomandibular joint, while the masseter muscle attaches to the lateral surface of the mandibular ramus and angle. Between these two attachment points is the coronoid process, which serves as the attachment site for the temporalis muscle. This arrangement allows for coordinated action of these muscles during jaw movements such as opening, closing, protrusion, retraction, and lateral excursions of the mandible, as studied in the context of mandibular movement and muscle activity 1, 2. Key points to consider include:
- The attachment sites of the lateral pterygoid and masseter muscles
- The role of the coronoid process in jaw movement
- The importance of understanding temporomandibular joint function for clinical applications, such as those discussed in relation to hemifacial microsomia treatment 3 and mandibular movement studies 4, 5. However, the most relevant and recent study to this specific question is not directly provided in the given evidence, but based on general anatomical knowledge, the coronoid process is the part of the mandible that lies between the lateral pterygoid muscle and the masseter muscle.