The primary function of the lateral pterygoid muscle is to pull the head of the condyle out of the mandibular fossa along the articular eminence to protrude the mandible.

[2] A concerted effort of the lateral pterygoid muscles helps in lowering the mandible and opening the jaw.

[2] Unlike the other three muscles of mastication, the lateral pterygoid alone can assist in depressing the mandible (opening the jaw).

At the beginning of this action it is assisted by the digastric, mylohyoid and geniohyoid muscles.

The lateral pterygoid muscle may be involved in temporomandibular joint dysfunction.