Buccinator muscle

The buccinator muscle (Latin: musculus buccinator ) is a thin, quadrilateral muscle located in the cheek of the human head. It is one of the muscles of facial expression and plays a crucial role in mastication (chewing) by keeping the food between the teeth and preventing it from accumulating in the oral vestibule.

Anatomy

The buccinator muscle originates from three main areas: the alveolar processes of the maxillary bone and the mandible, and the pterygomandibular raphe. The muscle fibers run horizontally forward and converge to insert into the fibers of the orbicularis oris muscle.

Blood Supply

The buccinator muscle receives its blood supply from the buccal artery, a branch of the maxillary artery.

Innervation

The muscle is innervated by the buccal branch of the facial nerve (cranial nerve VII).

Function

The primary function of the buccinator muscle is to compress the cheek against the teeth, which is essential during the process of mastication. It helps in manipulating food within the mouth and is also involved in actions such as blowing and sucking.

Clinical Significance

Damage to the buccal branch of the facial nerve can result in paralysis of the buccinator muscle, leading to difficulties in chewing and managing food within the mouth. This condition can be observed in various neurological disorders and after certain types of facial trauma.

See Also

• Facial muscles
• Facial nerve
• Mastication
• Orbicularis oris