Facial Muscles: Functions and Origins

Muscles of Facial Expression and Mastication

Temporalis

• Function: Elevates mandible.

• Origin: Frontal and parietal bones.

• Insertion: Coronoid process of mandible.

Frontalis (Epicranius)

• Function: Raises eyebrows.

• Origin: Galea aponeurotica.

Orbicularis Oculi

• Function: Closes eye.

• Origin: Maxilla and frontal bones.

• Insertion: Skin around eyelids.

Masseter

• Function: Elevates mandible.

• Origin: Zygomatic arch.

• Insertion: Ramus and angle of mandible.

Buccinator

• Function: Compresses cheeks and retracts corners of mouth.

• Origin: Maxilla and mandible.

• Insertion: Orbicularis oris (skin around mouth).

Orbicularis Oris

• Function: Closes and puckers lips.

• Origin: Maxilla and mandible.

• Insertion: Skin around the lips.

Zygomaticus Major

• Function: Elevates lips for smiling.

• Origin: Zygomatic bone.

• Insertion: Skin at the corner of the mouth.

Depressor Anguli Oris

• Function: Depresses corner of mouth.

• Origin: Tubercle of mandible.

• Insertion: Skin at the angle of mouth.