Muscles of the Face Flashcards
Occipitofrontalis: Front Belly Action
Elevates eyebrows and wrinkles skin of forehead; protracts scalp (indicating surprise or curiosity)
Occipitofrontalis: Occipital Belly Action
Retracts scalp; increasing effectiveness of frontal belly
Orbicularis Oculi Action
Closes eyelids: palpebral part does so gently; orbital part tightly (winking)
Orbicularis Oris Action
Compresses, purses lips (kissing) or resists distension (when blowing)
Levator Labii Superioris Action
Elevates upper lip
Depressor Labii Inferioris Action
Part of dilators of mouth; Depresses and/or everts lower lip (pouting, sadness)
Zygomaticus Major Action
Retracts and elevates
corner of mouth
Risorius Action
Retracts the angle of the mouth
Depressor Anguli Oris Action
Depresses corner of
mouth (sadness)
Mentalis Action
Elevates and protrudes lower lip; elevates skin of chin (showing doubt)
Platysma Action
Depresses mandible (against resistance); tenses skin of inferior face and neck (conveying tension and stress)
Buccinator (cheek muscle) Action
Presses cheek against molar teeth; works with tongue to keep food between occlusal surfaces and out of oral vestibule; resists distension (when blowing)
