Muscles of the Face

orbicularis oris

pair of round muscles with origin in the mandible and maxilla and insertion in the mucosa of the lips; closes and puckers the lips

buccinator

transverse muscle with origin in the mandible and maxilla and insertion in the corners of the mouth; tenses the cheeks

risorius

transverse muscle with origin in cheeks and insertion in the corner of the mouth; pulls the corner of the mouth laterally

levator labii superioris

angular muscle with origin in maxilla and zygomatic bone and insertion in upper lip; elevates upper lip and opens nostrils

levator labii superioris alaeque nasi (Otto’s muscle)

angular muscle with origin in maxilla and insertion in upper lip; elevates upper lip, opens nostrils, and snarl

zygomatic major

angular muscle with origin in zygomatic bone and insertion in corner of mouth; raises corner of mouth

zygomatic minor

angular muscle with origin in zygomatic bone and insertion in orbicularis oris; elevates upper lip

depressor labii inferioris

angular muscle with origin in mandible and insertion in lower lip; pulls the lip inferiorly and laterally

mentalis

vertical muscle with origin in mandible and insertion in the skin of the chin; depresses and protrudes the lower lip

depressor anguli oris

vertical muscle with origin in mandible and insertion in angle of mouth; depresses the corner of mouth

levator anguli oris

vertical muscle with origin in maxilla and insertion in corner of mouth; raises the corner of the mouth, assists in lip closure