Zygomaticus major muscle

Zygomatic major
Muscles of the head, face, and neck.
Latin musculus zygomaticus major
Gray's subject #108 383
Origin anterior of zygomatic
Insertion    modiolus of mouth
Artery facial artery
Nerve zygomatic branch of facial nerve
Actions draws angle of mouth upward and laterally

The Zygomatic major is a muscle of the human body. It is a muscle of facial expression which draws the angle of the mouth superiorly and posteriorly (smile). Like all muscles of facial expression, the zygomatic major is innervated by the facial nerve (Cranial Nerve VII). More specifically the buccal and zygomatic branches of the facial nerve.

The Zygomaticus extends from each zygomatic arch (cheekbone) to the corners of the mouth. It raises the corners of the mouth when a person smiles. Dimples may be caused by variations in the structure of this muscle.

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