Facial muscle

Facial muscles are a group of about 20 flat skeletal muscles lying under the facial skin. These muscles are responsible for facial expressions, and control the majority of them. They are also important for other functions such as closing the eyes, eating, and speaking.

Anatomy

The facial muscles are just under the skin, and they are attached to the skin, bones, and other muscles. Some of these muscles are connected to the skull, while others are connected to the facial skin. The facial muscles are divided into two groups: the muscles of facial expression and the muscles of mastication.

Muscles of Facial Expression

The muscles of facial expression are responsible for the majority of facial expressions. They are controlled by the facial nerve (cranial nerve VII). These muscles include:

• Orbicularis oculi: This muscle is responsible for closing the eyes.
• Orbicularis oris: This muscle is responsible for closing and protruding the lips.
• Zygomaticus major and zygomaticus minor: These muscles are responsible for smiling.
• Buccinator: This muscle is responsible for compressing the cheeks against the teeth and blowing air out of the mouth.

Muscles of Mastication

The muscles of mastication are responsible for chewing and moving the jaw. They are controlled by the trigeminal nerve (cranial nerve V). These muscles include:

• Masseter: This muscle is responsible for closing the jaw.
• Temporalis: This muscle is responsible for closing the jaw.
• Medial pterygoid and lateral pterygoid: These muscles are responsible for opening the jaw, moving it side to side, and protruding it forward.

Function

The facial muscles are essential for facial expressions, which are a crucial part of human communication. They allow us to express a wide range of emotions, from happiness to sadness, anger to surprise. They also play a role in non-verbal communication, such as winking or smiling.

In addition to their role in facial expressions, the facial muscles also have other important functions. They allow us to close our eyes, which is important for protecting the eyes and for sleep. They also allow us to eat and speak.

Disorders

There are several disorders that can affect the facial muscles. These include:

• Bell's palsy: This is a condition that causes sudden, temporary weakness or paralysis of the facial muscles. It is caused by damage to the facial nerve.
• Myasthenia gravis: This is a chronic autoimmune neuromuscular disease that causes weakness in the skeletal muscles, including the facial muscles.
• Trigeminal neuralgia: This is a chronic pain condition that affects the trigeminal nerve, which controls the muscles of mastication.

See also

• Facial nerve
• Trigeminal nerve
• Bell's palsy
• Myasthenia gravis
• Trigeminal neuralgia

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