Zygomaticus Major Muscle Anatomy Zygomaticus major is a muscle of facial expression that draws the angle of the mouth superiorly and posteriorly to allow one to smile. It is a thin paired facial muscle that extends diagonally from the zygomatic bone (hence the name) to the angle of the mouth. Along with risorius, it contributes…
Zygomaticus Minor Muscle Anatomy The zygomaticus minor is a muscle of facial expression. It originates from zygomatic bone and continues with orbicularis oculi on the lateral face of the levator labii superioris and then inserts into the outer part of the upper lip. Like all muscles of facial expression, it is innervated by the facial…
Levator anguli oris Muscle Anatomy The levator anguli oris (caninus) is a facial muscle of the mouth arising from the canine fossa, immediately below the infraorbital foramen. It elevates the angle of the mouth medially. The buccal branches of the facial nerve supply the levator anguli oris. Origin The levator anguli oris arises from the…
Levator Labii Superioris Muscle Anatomy Origin The levator labii superioris muscle has three points of origin that blend and passes into the upper lip. All three origins attach together within the upper lip and at the time of contraction, raise the upper lip. A strap of the angular head attaches within the ala of the…
Levator labii superioris alaeque nasi Muscle Anatomy The levator labii superioris alaeque nasi muscle is translated from a Latin word that means “Lifter of both upper lips and wing of the nose “. It has the longest name of any muscle in the animal. Historically known as Otto’s muscle, it dilates the nostril and elevates…
Orbicularis Oris Muscle Anatomy Orbicularis oris muscle is a complex and multi-layered muscle that attaches through a thin, superficial musculo-aponeurotic system to the dermis of the upper lip and lower lip and serves as an attachment site for many other facial muscles around the oral region. Origin It originates from the superior incisivus from the maxilla,…
Depressor septi Nasi Muscle Anatomy The depressor septi (Depressor alœ nasi) arises from the incisive fossa of the maxilla. Its fibers ascend to be inserted into the nasal septum and back part of the alar part of nasalis muscle. It lies between the mucous membrane and muscular structure of the lip. The Depressor septi nasi…
Dilator Naris Muscle Anatomy The Dilator naris muscle is a part of the nasalis muscle. It is divided into posterior and anterior parts. It arises from the margin of the nasal notch of the maxilla, and from the lesser alar cartilages, and is inserted into the skin near the margin of the nostril. The alae…
Procerus Muscle Anatomy The Procerus muscle is the pyramid-shaped muscle extending from the lower part of the nasal bone to the middle area in the forehead between the eyebrows, where it is attached to the frontalis muscle. Its location allows it to pull the skin between the eyebrows down. Origin Procerus arises from the fascia…
The Compressor Naris muscle is part of the nasalis muscle. The transverse part (compressor naris) arises from the maxilla, above and lateral to the incisive fossa; its fibers proceed upward and medially, expanding into a thin aponeurosis which is continuous on the bridge of the nose with that of the muscle of the opposite side,…
