Mentalis muscle
Musculus mentalis
- Related terms: Mentalis
Definition
Mentalis muscle | |
Origin | Anterior mandible, just inferior to incisor teeth. |
Insertion | Skin of the chin |
Innervation | Facial nerve (marginal mandibular branch) |
Action | Elevates and wrinkles skin of chin, protrudes lower lip |
The mentalis is a paired muscle of facial expression located in the chin region, within the mental (chin) prominence of the mandible.
Anatomical characteristics
1. Origin
From the incisive fossa of the mandible, below the lower incisor teeth.
2. Insertion
The fibres of the mentalis muscle pass downwards and medially to insert Into the skin of the chin (in the mental region).
Innervation
Marginal mandibular branch of the facial nerve (cranial nerve VII).
Blood supply
Facial artery (inferior labial branch)
Maxillary artery (mental branch)
Action
Elevates and protrudes (or everts) the lower lip, such as in drinking producing the “pouting” expression.
Wrinkles the skin of the chin (as in doubt or displeasure).
References
Gray, H. (2016) Gray’s Anatomy: The Anatomical Basis of Clinical Practice. 41st edn. Edited by S. Standring. New York: Elsevier. Chapter 30: Face and Scalp, p. 495.
