The Lateral pterygoid muscle is a small but important muscle located in the jaw, on both sides of the face. It originates from the lateral surface of the sphenoid bone in the skull and inserts into the mandible (jawbone).

The muscle is involved in several important functions of the jaw, including chewing, biting, and opening and closing the mouth. It works in conjunction with the Masseter muscle to move the jaw during chewing and biting, and it also helps to move the jaw forward and side-to-side. This muscle is particularly important for enabling the jaw to make complex and precise movements during chewing and speaking.