Anthropoid Comparisons of the Anatomy of the External Pterygoid Muscles of the Fetal and Adult Domestic Pig

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Abstract
The anatomical relationships of the external pterygoid muscle to the articular disc, the tuberculum and capitulum of the temporomandibular articulation, are similar to those in the domestic pigs, the rhesus monkey and man, except for the absence in the pig of a post-tubercular fossa, i. e., (glenoid fossa). The external pterygoid muscle of the domestic pig consists of a smaller superior belly inserted into the substance of a biconcave articular disc and a larger inferior belly which inserts into the capitulum. Since the domestic pig is an omnivore capable of extensive lateral mandibular movement the anatomical, and the functional relationships make it a suitable animal for use in research into the role of the external pterygoid muscles in some aspects of temporomandibular joint function and dysfunction.