Facial Muscles - Lower Group

Original Editor - Jacintha McGahan

Top Contributors - Jacintha McGahan and Wendy Walker

Introduction[edit | edit source]

Located underneath the skin of the face and scalp are a group of 20 flat skeletal muscles. These muscles of facial expression, also named craniofacial muscles, are found in the subcutaneous tissue and emanate from bone or fascia, to attach onto the skin. They are a group of muscles that attach to skin and by contracting, the muscles pull on the skin and create movements of the face, such as smiling, grinning and frowning. Therefore, these muscles are commonly called muscles of facial expression, or mimetic muscles. All of the facial muscles are innervated by the facial nerve (CN VII) and vascularised by the facial artery.

The facial muscles are located around facial openings (mouth, eye, nose and ear) or extend over the skull and neck. Hence, they are divided into several groups;

More specifically the oral group are accountable for movements of the mouth and lips. Such movements are necessary in singing and whistling and give emphasis to vocal communication[1][2].

Description[edit | edit source]

Bright green: Inferior nasal concha (2) Bright blue: Lacrimal bone (2) Purple: Mandible (1) Yellow: Maxilla (2) Pink: Nasal bone (2) Red: Palatine bone (2) Blue: Vomer (1) Dark green: Zygomatic bone (2)

There is a total of eleven facial muscles that create movement at the mouth and their functions include:

  • Lifting up and everting the upper lip: levator labii superioris, levator labii superioris alaeque nasi, risorius, levator anguli oris, zygomaticus major and zygomaticus minor muscles.
  • Lowering and everting the lower lip: depressor labii inferioris, depressor anguli oris and mentalis muscles.
  • Closing the lips: orbicularis oris muscle.
  • Compacting the cheek: buccinator muscle.

The bulk of the mouth muscles are joined by a fibromuscular hub where their fibers insert. This structure is called the modiolus, it is founded at the angles of the mouth and it is primarily formed by the buccinator, orbicularis oris, risorius, levator anguli oris, depressor anguli oris and zygomaticus major muscles[1]. The precise position of the modiolus varies[3], contributing to the variety of smile shapes which are seen in humans.

Each muscle is described individually below[1];

Orbicularis Oris[edit | edit source]

Origin[edit | edit source]
Front Views of the Muscles of Facial Expression

The fibres of the orbicularis oris surround the opening to the oral cavity. It comprises two parts; peripheral and marginal, with the border between them relating to the margin linking the lips and the surrounding skin. Both parts originate from the modiolus.

Insertion[edit | edit source]
  • The peripheral part travels medially into the labial areas to insert on the dermis of the lips. In the midplane, a portion of the fibers intermingle with their respective fellow muscles to form the philtrum of the mouth.
  • The marginal part travels from the modiolus on one side to the modiolus on the opposite side of the mouth. Some of the fibers curl upon themselves, forming the vermilion border, which is the boundary between the lips and the adjacent skin.
Nerve[edit | edit source]

Innervated by the buccal and mandibular branches of the facial nerve (CN VII).

Artery[edit | edit source]

Supplied from the superior and inferior labial branches of facial artery, with input from the mental and infraorbital branches of maxillary artery and the transverse facial branch of superficial temporal artery.

Function[edit | edit source]

A bilateral contraction of the whole muscle closes the mouth. An isolated contraction of particular parts of the muscle can produce various movements of the mouth, such as lip pouting, puckering, twisting and others. Through it's contractions the orbicularis oris assists speech and helps create a variety of facial expressions.

Assessment[edit | edit source]

Wearing a glove, place palpating fingers on the tissue of the lips. Ask the patient to pucker up the lips, and feel the contraction of the muscle. Once felt, palpate the entire muscle as the patient alternately contracts and relaxes[4].

Buccinator[edit | edit source]

Buccinator Muscle Lateral View
Origin[edit | edit source]

The buccinator muscle shapes the muscular structure of the cheek, filling the space between the maxilla and mandible. It is comprised of three parts; superior, inferior and posterior. It originates from the external lateral surface of the Alveolar process of maxilla, buccinator ridge of mandible, pterygomandibular raphe.

Insertion[edit | edit source]

All three parts of the buccinator coincide towards the angle of the mouth and insert onto the modiolus and mixes with other muscles of the upper lip.

Nerve[edit | edit source]

Buccal branch of facial nerve (CN VII)

Artery[edit | edit source]

Main supply from the buccal branch of the maxillary artery, with input from branches of the facial artery.

Function[edit | edit source]

The buccinator muscle compresses the cheek against the molar teeth and forestalls the cheek from getting bitten during mastication. Additionally, it aids to keeping the bolus of food centered in the oral cavity and limiting it from leaking into the oral vestibule. The buccinator has a role in playing wind instruments or whistling.

Assessment[edit | edit source]

Place palpating finger lateral and marginally superior to the corner of the mouth. Ask the patient to take a deep breath, purse lips, and press the lips on their teeth as if forcing air out while playing a trumpet to feel the contraction of buccinator. The majority of this muscle is deep to the masseter and other muscles of facial expression, therefore, palpation and it's specific identification is difficult[4].

Levator labii superioris[edit | edit source]

Levator Labii superioris and Levator labii superioris alaeque nasi.
Origin[edit | edit source]

A short triangular muscle that originates from zygomatic process of maxilla and maxillary process of zygomatic bone.

Insertion[edit | edit source]

It travels inferiorly and medially to attach onto the skin and intermingle with the other muscles of upper lip.

Nerve[edit | edit source]

Zygomatic and buccal branches of facial nerve (CN VII).

Artery [edit | edit source]

Blood is supplied by the facial artery and infraorbital branch of the maxillary artery.

Function[edit | edit source]

This muscle aids other buccolabial muscles to lift and invert the upper lip, showing the maxillary teeth and deepening the nasolabial lines. This movement is necessary in making some facial expressions, such as snarling, smiling, grinning and contempt.

Assessment[edit | edit source]

Place palpating finger relatively half an inch or 1cm lateral to the center of the upper lip, at its superior margin. Ask the patient to lift the upper lip to show their upper gum and feel for the contraction. It can be challenging to identify the levator labii superioris from the close by levator labii superioris alaeque nasi (medially) and zygomaticus minor (laterally), as these also lift the upper lip[4].

Levator labii superioris alaeque nasi[edit | edit source]

Origin[edit | edit source]

A slim, strap-like muscle found on both sides of the nose. It originates from the upper portion of the frontal process of the maxilla and travels inferolaterally.

Insertion[edit | edit source]

It inserts to the fascia and muscle tissue of the upper lip and the fascia and cartilage of the nose.

Nerve[edit | edit source]

Zygomatic and buccal branches of facial nerve (CN VII).

Artery[edit | edit source]

Facial artery and the infraorbital branch of the maxillary artery.

Functon[edit | edit source]

It elevates the lip and flares the nostril. This muscle is considered a muscle of facial expression of the nose and the mouth.

Assessment[edit | edit source]

Place palpating finger just lateral to the nose. Ask the patient to either lift their upper lip to show the upper gum or flare their nostril to feel the contraction. Again this muscle can be difficult to distinguish from close by nasalis (medially) and levator labii superioris (laterally)[4].

Risorius[edit | edit source]

Risorius
Origin[edit | edit source]

Risorius is inconsistent for it's point of origin. It may arise from assorted points that may subsume the fascia of the parotid gland, fascia of the masseter and platysma muscles, and periodically from the zygomatic arch. 

Insertion[edit | edit source]

The fibers of the risorius gather medially and travel horizontally towards the angles of the mouth, where they mix with other facial muscles to form the modiolus.

Nerve[edit | edit source]

Supplied by the buccal branch of facial nerve (CN VII).

Artery[edit | edit source]

Superior labial branch of the facial artery.

Function[edit | edit source]

It's action is to pull the angles of the mouth laterally, and is often active during smile function.

Assessment[edit | edit source]

Place palpating finger closely to the corner of the mouth. Ask the patient to move the corners of the mouth laterally to feel the muscle contract. Ensure that the palpation is not too far superior on the zygomaticus major[4].

Levator anguli oris[edit | edit source]

Levator anguli oris
Origin[edit | edit source]

A lean, sheet-like muscle that originates from the canine fossa of maxilla.

Insertion[edit | edit source]

It travels vertically inferiorly towards the angle of the mouth to insert on the modiolus, to mix with the other facial muscles.

Nerve[edit | edit source]

Zygomatic and buccal branches of facial nerve (CN VII)

Artery[edit | edit source]

Superior labial branch of facial artery and infraorbital branch of maxillary artery.

Function[edit | edit source]

Elevates the corners of the mouth and aids to create a smile, along with the risorius, zygomaticus major and minor.

Assessment[edit | edit source]

Place palpating finger directly superior to the corner of the mouth. Ask the patient to lift the corner of their mouth as if to show their canine tooth (a Dracual like expression) and feel for the contraction. The most superior portion of this muscle is deep to the zygomaticus minor and levator labii superioris and can be hard to distinguish. Additionally, is necessary to identify levator anguli oris from zygomaticus major, as both lift the corners of the mouth[4].

Zygomaticus major[edit | edit source]

Zygomaticus Major
Origin[edit | edit source]

A slender muscle that originates from the lateral surface of the zygomatic bone.

Insertion[edit | edit source]

It travels diagonally to the angle of the mouth and donates to the disposition of the modiolus by mingling with several other facial muscles.

Nerve[edit | edit source]

Zygomatic and buccal branches of the facial nerve (CN VII).

Artery[edit | edit source]

Superior labial branch of the facial artery.

Function[edit | edit source]

It elevates the corner of the mouth and directs the corners laterally. It will aid to create a smile in cooperation with other muscles.

Assessment[edit | edit source]

Place palpating fingers directly superolaterally to the corner of the mouth. Ask the patient to smile to pull the corners of the mouth both superiorly and laterally to feel the contraction. It is challenging to determine zygomaticus major from close by levator anguli oris, and to distinguish it from zygomaticus minor that also lifts the upper lip[4].

Zygomaticus minor[edit | edit source]

Zygomaticus Minor
Origin[edit | edit source]

Originates from the lateral surface of the zygomatic bone. 

Insertion[edit | edit source]

Travels diagonally towards the lips. It attaches onto the skin of the upper lip, medial to the zygomaticus major.

Nerve[edit | edit source]

Buccal branch of facial nerve (CN VII),

Artery[edit | edit source]

Superior labial branch of facial artery.

Function[edit | edit source]

The zygomaticus minor works in unison with other tractors of the upper lip to lift and evert the upper lip. It facilitates several facial expressions including smiling and grimacing.

Assessment[edit | edit source]

Place palpating finger in estimation of half to three quarter inch (1-2cm) lateral to the center of the upper lip. Ask the patient to show you their upper gum to feel the contraction. This muscle needs to be differentiated from it's close neighbours, levator labii superiois (medially) and zygomaticus major (laterally).

Depressor labii inferioris[edit | edit source]

Depressor labii inferioris
Origin[edit | edit source]

A short quadrangular muscle located in the chin region. It attaches from the oblique line of mandible at the same time being continued with the labial part of the platysma. 

Insertion[edit | edit source]

The muscle travels superomedially to attach on the skin and submucosa of the lower lip.

Nerve[edit | edit source]

Mandibular branch of facial nerve (CN VII).

Artery[edit | edit source]

Inferior labial branch of facial artery and mental branch of maxillary artery.

Function[edit | edit source]

It depresses, everts and draws the lower lip laterally. It also is responsible for pulling the lower lip inferomedially in conjunction with the labial part of platysma.

Assessment[edit | edit source]

Place palpating finger inferior to the lower lip and marginally laterally to the midline. Ask the patent to drop and draw their lower lip laterally to feel the contraction. It can be challenging to differentiate the depressor labii inferiois from close by depressor anguli oris, as both muscles drop and laterally move the lower lip/ corner of the mouth[4].

Depressor anguli oris [edit | edit source]

Depressor anguli oris
Origin[edit | edit source]

A triangular muscle located lateral to the chin on both sides of the face. It originates from the oblique line and mental tubercle of mandible. 

Insertion[edit | edit source]

It travels in a nearly vertically upward direction to insert at the modiolus.

Nerve[edit | edit source]

Marginal mandibular and buccal branches of facial nerve (CN VII).

Artery[edit | edit source]

Inferior labial branch of the facial artery and the mental branch of the maxillary artery.

Function[edit | edit source]

Operates to drop the angle of the mouth, which assists to display feelings of sadness or anger. Furthermore, this muscle aids in opening the mouth during speaking or eating.

Assessment[edit | edit source]

Place palpating finger inferior and marginally lateral to the corner of the mouth. Ask the patient to frown by dropping and drawing the corner of the mouth laterally to feel the contraction of the muscle. Challenging to identify this muscle from close by depressor labii inferioris[4].

Mentalis[edit | edit source]

Mentalis
Origin[edit | edit source]

A short conical muscle found in the chin area. It originates from the incisive fossa of mandible.

Insertion[edit | edit source]

It travels inferiorly to insert on the skin of the chin at the level of the mentolabial sulcus of the mandible.

Nerve[edit | edit source]

Mandibular branch of the facial nerve (CN VII). 

Artery[edit | edit source]

Inferior labial branch of facial artery and mental branch of the maxillary artery.

Function[edit | edit source]

Mentalis elevates the base of the lower lip, and in doing this it causes protrusion and eversion of the lower lip. These movements donate to certain actions such as shaping the lips when drinking, and creating facial expressions to display feelings of sadness, contempt and doubt.

Assessment[edit | edit source]

Place palpating finger relatively 1 inch (2.5cm) inferior to the lower lip and slightly lateral to the midline. Ask the patient to drop and protrude out the lower lip as if to pout and feel the contraction of the muscle. The inferior portion of mentalis is superficial and simple to palpate. The superior portion of the mentalis is more difficult to palpate and identify as it lies deep to depressor labii inferioris.

[5]

Clinical Relevance[edit | edit source]

Evaluation of the activity of the upper facial muscle group forms part of the assessment of Facial Palsy, which may be caused by Bell's Palsy, nerve damage in brain tumours such as Acoustic Neuroma (AKA Vestibular Schwannoma), Ramsay Hunt Syndrome, and other less common conditions.

[6]

Treatment[edit | edit source]

In similitude with all other muscles, the muscles of facial expression can become tight, particularly if the same facial expression is frequently made, demanding repeated contraction. When these small muscles become tight, they traction the covering fascia and skin toward its center, hence forming wrinkles that are directed perpendicularly to the path of the muscle fibers. Assessment of the pattern of facial wrinkles shows that wrinkles are perpendicular to the beneath muscle of facial expression. To stretch these muscles, it is requisite to move the face by creating a broad range of bold expressions. Each expression will stretch the muscles that produce the reverse expression. Therefore, the patient will have to make facial expressions they routinely do not make[4].

Facial rehabilitation for facial palsy can be reviewed in Neuromuscular Reeducation in Facial Palsy.

Resources[edit | edit source]

  1. 1.0 1.1 1.2 Gordana Sendic. Facial Muscles. Available from: https://www.kenhub.com/en/library/anatomy/the-facial-muscles (accessed 18 October 2020).
  2. Teach Me Anatomy. The Muscles of Facial Expression. Available from: https://teachmeanatomy.info/head/muscles/facial-expression/ (accessed 18 October 2020).
  3. Shimada K, Gasser RF. 1989 Variations in the facial muscles at the angle of the mouth Clinical Anatomy, Volume2, Issue3,1989. Pages 129-134
  4. 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 4.4 4.5 4.6 4.7 4.8 4.9 Muscolino JE. Chapter 12, Palpation of the Muscles of the Head. The Muscle & Bone Palpation Manual with Trigger Points, Referral Patterns, and Stretching 2nd Edition. United States: Mosby 2015. p221-59
  5. The Noted Anatomist. Muscles of facial expression. Available from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zGqfKY1rjkM [last accessed 23/10/20]
  6. The Noted Anatomist. Facial nerve and facial muscles. Available from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=heOiSg21Lx8 [last accessed 23/10/20]