INBDE (Integrated National Board Dental Examination) 2026 – 400 Free Practice Questions to Pass the Exam

Question: 1 / 1180

Where does the inferior head insert?

Condylar neck

The correct answer is A. Condylar neck. The inferior head of the lateral pterygoid muscle inserts onto the condylar neck of the mandible. This muscle plays a crucial role in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) by aiding in the depression and protrusion of the mandible, as well as assisting in the side-to-side movement of the jaw during chewing.

Options B, C, and D are incorrect:

- The coronoid process is associated with the temporalis muscle, not the inferior head of the lateral pterygoid muscle.

- The mandibular foramen is an opening on the mandible through which the inferior alveolar nerve and blood vessels pass, not a site of insertion for the inferior head of the lateral pterygoid muscle.

- The zygomatic arch serves as the attachment site for the masseter muscle and the temporalis muscle, not the inferior head of the lateral pterygoid muscle.

Get further explanation with Examzify DeepDiveBeta

Coronoid process

Mandibular foramen

Zygomatic arch

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