Orbicularis oris muscle
| Orbicularis oris muscle |
|---|
|
| origin |
| Upper and lower jaw |
| approach |
| Skin of the lip |
| function |
| Contraction of the mouth opening |
| Innervation |
| Facial nerve ( cranial nerve VII) |
The orbicularis oris muscle (" sphincter muscle of the mouth", " oral ring muscle ") is a ring-shaped sphincter muscle around the mouth opening and forms the fleshy basis of the lips .
The tonic contraction of the orbicularis oris muscle closes the gap in the mouth . If only the outer parts contract, the lips are pursed as if for a kiss (in English it is therefore also known as the kissing muscle ).
The muscle is innervated by the seventh cranial nerve , the facial nerve (VII). Unilateral facial paralysis leads to the corner of the mouth drooping and thus to the outflow of saliva . The functionality of the nerve can be checked with the orbicularis oris reflex . The blood supply is provided by the inferior labial and superior labial arteries , both of which arise from the facial artery .
Web links
- Entry on Musculus orbicularis oris in the Flexikon , a Wiki of the DocCheck company (animated muscle with skin that can be faded in and out)