Zygomaticus minor muscle
Musculus zygomaticus minor
- Related terms: Zygomaticus minor
Definition
Zygomaticus minor muscle | |
Origin | Zygomatic bone |
Insertion | Upper lip skin, blending with orbicularis oris |
Artery | Facial artery |
Innervation | Facial nerve (buccal and zygomatic branches) |
Action | Elevates upper lip, deepens nasolabial fold |
The zygomaticus minor muscle is a slender facial expression muscle located in the midface region, between the the levator labii superioris and the zygomaticus major, contributing to elevation of the upper lip.
Anatomical characteristics
1. Origin
From the lateral surface of the zygomatic bone, just outer to the origin of the levator labii superioris (immediately behind the zygomaticomaxillary suture), and inner to the origin of zygomaticus major muscle.
2. Insertion
The zygomaticus minor muscle fibres extend downward and medially and insert into the skin of the upper lip (medial to the corner of the mouth), and also blending with fibres of the orbicularis oris and levator labii superioris.
Blood supply
Superior labial branch of facial artery
Innervation
Actions
The zygomaticus minor muscle acts synergistically with:
Levator labii superioris and levator labii superioris alaeque nasi (to raise the upper lip).
Zygomaticus major (in smiling).
It assists in the deepening of nasolabial fold.
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, pp. 494.
