Facial muscles
Facial muscles
The facial muscles (pronunciation: /ˈfeɪʃəl ˈmʌsəlz/) are a group of about 20 flat skeletal muscles lying under the facial skin. These muscles originate from the bones of the skull and insert into the skin, allowing us to make various facial expressions.
Etymology
The term "facial" is derived from the Latin word "facies" meaning "face", and "muscle" comes from the Latin "musculus" meaning "little mouse", possibly due to the resemblance of some muscles to small mice.
Structure
The facial muscles can be grouped into three categories: the Orbicularis oris, the Orbicularis oculi, and the Buccinator muscle.
- The Orbicularis oris (pronunciation: /ɔːrˈbɪkjʊlərɪs ˈɔːrɪs/) is a complex of muscles in the lips that encircles the mouth. It is used in creating many facial expressions, including pouting and kissing.
- The Orbicularis oculi (pronunciation: /ɔːrˈbɪkjʊlərɪs ˈɒkjuːlaɪ/) is a muscle in the face that closes the eyelids. It is responsible for blinking and winking.
- The Buccinator muscle (pronunciation: /bʌkˈsaɪneɪtər ˈmʌsəl/) is a thin quadrilateral muscle occupying the interval between the maxilla and the mandible at the side of the face. It compresses the cheeks against the teeth and is used in acts such as blowing.
Related terms
- Zygomaticus major and Zygomaticus minor are muscles of facial expression which draw the upper lip upward and outward.
- Masseter muscle is a facial muscle that plays a major role in the chewing of solid foods.
- Temporalis muscle is one of the muscles involved in jaw movement and is the most powerful muscle of mastication.
- Frontalis muscle is a muscle of the forehead which plays a key role in the movements of the eyebrows.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Facial muscles
- Wikipedia's article - Facial muscles
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