The basic requirement for successfully palpating the lateral pterygoid muscle is exact knowledge of muscle topography and the intraoral palpation pathway. After documented palpation of the muscle belly in cadaverous preparations, MRI and EMG also visualized palpation of the lateral pterygoid muscle in vivo. The palpation technique seems to be essential and basically feasible. Schlagwörter: TMJ, M. pterygoideus lateralis, EMG, MRI, palpation