According to FA 2019 pg. 495 contraction of lateral pterygoids help lower the jaw, making the answer to this question seem counter intuitive. (Wouldn't you need the jaw to be open to slide the mandible back into the TMJ?) Consider, however, that the lateral LPs also facilitate protrusion of the jaw. Thus, their relaxation would make it easier to reduce the joint.
I found this video helpful for getting a visual of the LPs.
If you're an idiot like me, this question is easiest to answer if you knew that the lateral pterygoid is the only muscle of the options listed involved in movement of the jaw.
clench my external sphincter any time i see answers with muscle names like mylohyoid, digastric, levator veli palatini...
The answer is always lateral pterygoid. Except when its not. Trust me.
submitted by โneonem(629)
Pg 491 in FA 2018 (Neurology anatomy & physiology section): 3 muscles close the jaw: Masseter, teMporalis, Medial pterygoid 1 muscle opens the jaw: Lateral pterygoid ALL are innervated by trigeminal nerve, V3 Mnemonic: M's munch (close the jaw), L's lower (loosen/relax the jaw)