Medial pterygoid nerve

The medial pterygoid nerve (or internal pterygoid nerve) is a branch off the mandibular nerve that innervates the medial pterygoid muscle, tensor veli palatini and tensor tympani.

Structure
The nerve to the medial pterygoid muscle is a slender branch of the mandibular nerve which enters the deep surface of the muscle; it gives off one or two filaments to the otic ganglion.

The nerve provides physical support for the otic ganglion, but is neurologically distinct.