| MUSCLE | TEST | RESPONSE |
| Lateral Pterygoid (inferior) | Palpation |
Almost impossible to palpate Refers to TMJ and zygomatic arch Refers to ear |
| Maximum intercuspidation (biting hard) | Muscle is stretched and pain increases | |
| Biting with separator (tongue blade) | No change on pain level | |
| Wide opening | No change on pain level | |
| Protrusion against resistance | Muscle is contracted and pain increases | |
| Lateral Pterygoid (superior) | Palpation |
Almost impossible to palpate Refers to TMJ and zygomatic arch Refers to ear |
| Maximum intercuspidation (biting hard) | Muscle is stretched and pain increases | |
| Biting with separator (tongue blade) | Muscle is stretched and pain increases | |
| Wide opening | No change on pain level | |
| Protrusion against resistance | No change on pain level | |
| Medial Pterygoid (If this muscle is injured by injection, will produce local soreness and co-contraction) | Palpation |
Refers to posterior mouth, throat and Eustachian tubes Masseter muscle can refer to medial pterygoid |
| Maximum intercuspidation (biting hard) | Muscle is contracted and pain increases | |
| Biting with separator (tongue blade) | No change on pain level | |
| Wide opening | Deflects contra laterally | |
| Protrusion against resistance | No change on pain level |
Okeson J. (2014). Bell’s Oral and Facial Pain (Formerly Bell's Orofacial Pain), Seventh Edition. pp 522-525.