Zygomaticus muscle
| Zygomaticus muscle (major and minor) |
|---|
|
| Zygomaticus major muscle |
| origin |
| Arcus zygomaticus |
| approach |
| Corner of the mouth |
| function |
| pulls the corner of the mouth up and back |
| Innervation |
| Facial nerve |
The zygomaticus muscle ("zygomatic muscle") is a skin muscle of the head in mammals . The muscle belongs to the mimic muscles and pulls the corner of the mouth backwards and upwards, which is why it is also regarded as one of the " laughing muscles ". The muscle arises on the zygomatic arch and radiates into the corner of the mouth.
In humans, the muscle is divided into two parts: the zygomaticus major ("large zygomatic muscle") is the larger of the two, the zygomaticus minor ("small zygomatic muscle") pulls towards the upper lip.
Web links
- Entry on Musculus zygomaticus major in Flexikon , a Wiki of the DocCheck company (animated muscle with skin that can be faded in and out)