Overview
The facial muscles, also called the muscles of facial expression, are unique in that they insert into the skin rather than bone. They are responsible for expressions such as smiling, frowning, blinking, and raising the eyebrows. All are derived from the second pharyngeal arch and are supplied by the facial nerve (cranial nerve VII), except for the levator palpebrae superioris which is innervated by the oculomotor nerve.
This summary provides an organised, high-yield structure for rapid exam prep. For additional context, see facial nerve supply, parotid gland and facial nerve pathway, and scalp and face anatomy.
Muscles of the Scalp
Occipitofrontalis (Epicranius)
| Part | Origin | Insertion | Nerve Supply | Main Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Frontal Belly | Epicranial aponeurosis | Skin of forehead and eyebrows | Temporal branches of facial nerve | Raises eyebrows; wrinkles forehead |
| Occipital Belly | Superior nuchal line; mastoid process | Epicranial aponeurosis | Posterior auricular branch of facial nerve | Retracts scalp |
Muscles of the Orbit
These muscles control eyelid movement and protect the eye.
| Muscle | Origin | Insertion | Nerve Supply | Main Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Orbicularis Oculi (Palpebral) | Medial palpebral ligament | Eyelids | Temporal and zygomatic branches of facial nerve | Gentle closure of eyelids (blinking) |
| Orbicularis Oculi (Orbital) | Medial orbital margin | Skin around orbit | Facial nerve | Forceful closure of eyelids |
| Corrugator Supercilii | Medial superciliary arch | Skin of eyebrow | Facial nerve | Draws eyebrows medially and downward; frowning |
Muscles of the Nose
| Muscle | Origin | Insertion | Nerve Supply | Main Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nasalis (Transverse) | Maxilla | Dorsum of nose | Facial nerve | Compresses nasal aperture |
| Nasalis (Alar) | Maxilla | Ala of nose | Facial nerve | Flares nostrils |
| Procerus | Nasal bone | Skin between eyebrows | Facial nerve | Wrinkles skin over nasal bridge |
| Depressor Septi Nasi | Maxilla | Mobile nasal septum | Facial nerve | Depresses nasal septum; narrows nostrils |
Muscles of the Mouth and Lips
These muscles control expressions involved in speaking, eating, and displaying emotion.
| Muscle | Origin | Insertion | Nerve Supply | Main Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Orbicularis Oris | Maxilla and mandible; other facial muscles | Lips | Facial nerve (buccal and marginal branches) | Closes and protrudes lips |
| Buccinator | Alveolar processes of maxilla and mandible; pterygomandibular raphe | Angle of mouth | Facial nerve | Presses cheek against teeth; assists chewing |
| Zygomaticus Major | Zygomatic bone | Angle of mouth | Facial nerve | Elevates angle of mouth (smiling) |
| Zygomaticus Minor | Zygomatic bone | Upper lip | Facial nerve | Elevates upper lip |
| Levator Labii Superioris | Maxilla (infraorbital margin) | Upper lip | Facial nerve | Elevates upper lip |
| Levator Anguli Oris | Maxilla (canine fossa) | Angle of mouth | Facial nerve | Elevates angle of mouth |
| Depressor Anguli Oris | Mandible | Angle of mouth | Facial nerve | Depresses angle of mouth |
| Depressor Labii Inferioris | Mandible | Lower lip | Facial nerve | Depresses lower lip |
| Mentalis | Mandible (incisive fossa) | Skin of chin | Facial nerve | Elevates and protrudes lower lip |
| Risorius | Parotid fascia | Angle of mouth | Facial nerve | Retracts angle of mouth |
Muscles of the Ear
These rudimentary muscles assist minimal auricular movement.
| Muscle | Origin | Insertion | Nerve Supply | Main Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Auricularis Anterior | Temporal fascia | Helix of ear | Temporal branch of facial nerve | Moves ear forward |
| Auricularis Superior | Epicranial aponeurosis | Upper ear cartilage | Temporal branch | Elevates ear |
| Auricularis Posterior | Mastoid process | Back of auricle | Posterior auricular nerve | Retracts ear |
Muscles of Mastication (for comparison)
Although not facial expression muscles, they are included for clarity. These are supplied by the mandibular division of the trigeminal nerve (V3). Full details: muscles of mastication.
| Muscle | Origin | Insertion | Nerve Supply | Main Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Masseter | Zygomatic arch | Angle of mandible | Mandibular nerve (V3) | Elevates mandible |
| Temporalis | Temporal fossa | Coronoid process | Mandibular nerve | Elevates and retracts mandible |
| Lateral Pterygoid | Lateral pterygoid plate and greater wing of sphenoid | Neck of mandible; TMJ capsule | Mandibular nerve | Protrusion; side-to-side movements |
| Medial Pterygoid | Lateral pterygoid plate; maxillary tuberosity | Medial angle of mandible | Mandibular nerve | Elevates and protrudes mandible |
Exam Strategy
Group facial muscles by region: scalp, orbit, nose, mouth, ear. Learn actions through expression patterns. Remember that nearly all are supplied by the facial nerve; exceptions should be memorised separately. Combine this summary with the facial nerve pathway (facial nerve course) to quickly diagnose regional facial paralysis patterns.