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)