In temporomandibular joint dysfunction (syndrome), one muscle attaching to the capsule and articular disc becomes tensed and painful. What muscle is this?

Answer 1

Good question.

just to clarify that lateral preryhoid insertion in the pterygoid fovea. And it pulls the condyle from the mandibular fossa to move the mandible forward or to the opposite side.

According to research, there is 30% possible attachment between disk and the muscle. However, the muscle can not pull the disc.

for TMJ related tensed muscles, any muscles around the TMJ can be tensed.

Answer 2

The lateral pterygoid muscle inserts on the TMJ joint capsule. Its origin is on the lateral pterygoid plate of the sphenoid bone. If the lateral pterygoid undergoes spasm, it pulls the on the joint capsule and articular disc. This can cause injury to the joint capsule and anterior displacement of the articular disc.