PTERYGOSPINOUS MUSCLE Meaning and
Definition
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The pterygospinous muscle is a small muscle located in the upper part of the neck, specifically at the base of the skull. It is situated at the point where the pterygoid process of the sphenoid bone meets the spine of the sphenoid bone. The muscle runs diagonally between these two bony landmarks.
The pterygospinous muscle is part of the deep layer of muscles in the neck, commonly known as the suboccipital muscles. It functions in coordination with other muscles in this group to facilitate the movement and stabilization of the head and neck.
The primary function of the pterygospinous muscle is to assist in the rotation of the head and neck. It helps in turning the head from side to side. Additionally, it works in conjunction with other muscles to maintain proper alignment of the cervical spine. This muscle also plays a role in stabilizing the upper region of the neck during certain movements, such as when tilting the head backward.
The pterygospinous muscle is innervated by branches of the cervical nerve plexus. It receives its blood supply from branches of the vertebral artery. Proper functioning of this muscle is crucial for maintaining optimal head and neck movements, contributing to overall posture and body mechanics.
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A muscular slip occasionally arising from the spine of the sphenoid bone and inserted into the hinder margin of the outer pterygoid plate.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for PTERYGOSPINOUS MUSCLE
- oterygospinous muscle
- lterygospinous muscle
- -terygospinous muscle
- 0terygospinous muscle
- prerygospinous muscle
- pferygospinous muscle
- pgerygospinous muscle
- pyerygospinous muscle
- p6erygospinous muscle
- p5erygospinous muscle
- ptwrygospinous muscle
- ptsrygospinous muscle
- ptdrygospinous muscle
- ptrrygospinous muscle
- pt4rygospinous muscle
- pt3rygospinous muscle
- pteeygospinous muscle
- ptedygospinous muscle
- ptefygospinous muscle
- ptetygospinous muscle
Etymology of PTERYGOSPINOUS MUSCLE
The word "pterygospinous" is derived from two Greek terms, "pterygo" and "spinous".
1. "Pterygo" (from Greek πτερύγιον, pterýgion) refers to "wing" or "fin". It is often used in anatomical terms to describe structures shaped like wings or fins.
2. "Spinous" (from Greek σπινθήρ, spinthḗr) means "thorn" or "spine", referring to a pointed or spine-like structure.
Therefore, "pterygospinous" combines these two terms to describe a muscle or structure that is wing-like or fin-like and contains a thorn-like or spine-like feature.
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