Facial Muscles

By

Nicky Adams

• We are going to explore the various facial muscles

• Then learn the various functions of these muscles

AIMS

These are the names of the muscles that move the head:

•Sternomastoid

•Trapezius

Sternomastoid• This muscle runs from sternum to the clavicle bone, and the temporal bone

• It flexes the neck, rotates and bows the head

Trapezius• This is a large triangular muscle, covering the back of the neck and upper back

• It draws the head backwards, and allows movement at the shoulder

These are the muscles of mastication:

•Masseter

•Temporalis

Masseter• This muscle is found around the cheek area, it extends from the zygomatic bone to the mandible

• It clenches the teeth, closes and raises the lower jaw

Temporalis• It extends from the temples at the sides of the head, to the mandible

• It raises the jaw and draws it backwards, as in chewing

These are the muscles of facial expression• Occipital-frontalis

• Corrugator

• Orbicularis oculi

• Risorius

• Buccinator

• Zygomaticus

• Orbicularis oris

• Mentalis

• Depresor labii

• Platysma

Occipital-frontalis• This muscle is found at the forehead, and runs to the occipital region

• This muscle raises the eyebrows

• Giving a surprised facial expression

Corrugator• This muscle is found between the eyebrows

• It draws the eyebrows together

• Making your frown

Orbicularis oculi• This muscle surrounds the eyes

• It closes the eyelid

• Used when winking

Risorius• This muscle extends diagonally from the corners of the mouth

• It draws the mouth corners outwards

• Used when smiling

Buccinator• This muscle is found inside the cheeks

• It compresses the cheeks

• Is used when blowing

Zygomaticus• This muscle extends diagonally from the corners of the mouth

• Lifts the mouth corners, upwards and outwards

• Is used when smiling and laughing

Orbicularis oris• This muscle surrounds the mouth

• It is used to purse the lips, and closes the mouth

• It is used to pout and kiss

Mentalis• This muscle is found around the chin

• It raises the lower lip, causing the chin to wrinkle

• It will give a doubt facial expression

Depressor labii• This muscle extends over the chin

• It draws down the mouths corners

• Is used when sulking

Platysma• This muscle is found at the sides of the neck

• It draws down the mouths corners downwards and backwards

• It is used when we are scared frightened (fear, horror)

THE END