Orbicularis muscle

Orbicularis oculi muscle (Gray's Anatomy)

The Orbicularis muscle is a group of muscles in the face that encircles certain areas or openings, such as the eyes and mouth. There are two types of orbicularis muscles: the Orbicularis oculi and the Orbicularis oris.

Orbicularis Oculi

The Orbicularis oculi muscle is responsible for closing the eyelids. It is divided into three parts: the orbital part, the palpebral part, and the lacrimal part. The muscle is innervated by the facial nerve (cranial nerve VII).

Orbicularis oris muscle (Gray's Anatomy)

Orbicularis Oris

The Orbicularis oris muscle is a complex of muscles in the lips that encircles the mouth. It is responsible for closing the lips and is used in creating facial expressions, such as kissing and whistling. The muscle is also innervated by the facial nerve.

Clinical Significance

Damage to the facial nerve can lead to paralysis of the orbicularis muscles, resulting in conditions such as Bell's palsy or lagophthalmos (inability to close the eyes).

See Also

• Facial muscles
• Facial nerve
• Bell's palsy
• Lagophthalmos

References

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