Muscles of the Head and Neck

1. Muscles of the Head and Neck

  • Epicranius: Consists of two parts:

    • Frontalis (Frontal Belly): Raises eyebrows and wrinkles the forehead.

    • Occipitalis (Occipital Belly): Pulls the scalp backward.

  • Zygomaticus: Raises the corners of the mouth (smiling).

  • Orbicularis Oris: Encircles the mouth, responsible for closing and puckering the lips (kissing muscle).

  • Masseter: Elevates the mandible, helping in chewing.

  • Orbicularis Oculi: Encircles the eye, allows for blinking and closing the eyes.

  • Temporalis: Elevates and retracts the mandible, assisting in chewing.

  • Levator Labii: Elevates the upper lip.

  • Mentalis: Elevates and protrudes the lower lip (pouting muscle).

2. Muscles of the Neck

  • Trapezius: Extends the neck and moves the scapula (shoulder blade).

  • Sternocleidomastoid: Flexes the neck and rotates the head to the opposite side.