Orbicularis oris muscle
Orbicularis Oris Muscle
The Orbicularis Oris Muscle (pronunciation: or-bi-cu-lar-is or-is mus-cle) is a complex muscle located in the face. It is often referred to as the 'kissing muscle' due to its role in the act of kissing and other facial expressions.
Etymology
The term 'Orbicularis' is derived from the Latin word 'orbis', meaning circle, and 'oris', meaning mouth. This is due to the muscle's circular shape around the mouth.
Anatomy
The Orbicularis Oris Muscle is not a simple sphincter muscle like the Orbicularis oculi, which encircles the eye. Instead, it consists of several layers of muscle fibers that surround the mouth. These fibers originate from the maxillary and mandibular bones and interlace with the muscles of the lips, cheeks, and nose.
Function
The primary function of the Orbicularis Oris Muscle is to control the movements of the mouth and lips. It allows for actions such as closing and opening the mouth, puckering the lips, and articulating speech. It also plays a significant role in facial expressions, particularly those involving the mouth.
Related Terms
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