A cone-beam computed tomography (CT) scan of the maxillofacial area revealed a collection of fluid in the man's lateral pterygoid, which was later found to be an infratemporal fossa (ITF) abscess. The ...

And though the lateral pterygoid can feel pretty tender and even a bit painful while you’re applying pressure to it, lingering pain is a sign this may not be the right exercise for you, Mistry said.

Due to the connection between these nerve and anatomic structures, a contraction of the lateral pterygoid muscle, for example, might cause a compression of the lingual nerve.