n :  either of two branches of the mandibular nerve:  a  :  one that is distributed to the lateral pterygoid muscle - called also lateral pterygoid nerve   b  :  one that is distributed to the medial pterygoid muscle, tensor tympani, and tensor veli palatini - called also medial pterygoid nerve  .
 
 
 
Published under license with Merriam-Webster, Incorporated.  © 1997-2004.