Muscles of Facial Expression, with Terry Jefford.

Innervated by the 7th cranial nerve, the facial nerve, let’s get into the muscles of facial expression.

The (Occipito)Frontalis Muscle

It’s wrinkly crinkly forehead time, and there’s only one muscle for the job - our occipitofrontalis muscle.

With both an occipital and frontal belly it’s no wonder she’s so useful, and how else would we know when shiz is about to hit the fan.

The frontal belly is innervated by the temporal branch of the facial nerve, whilst the occiptal belly is innervated by the posterior auricular branch of the facial nerve.

The Buccinator Muscle

The ‘trumpeter’ muscle, the buccinator muscle does MANY things.

Pressing the cheeks against the teeth, there’s no way our flower could play his flute without it.

Innervated by the buccal branches of the facial nerve.

The Orbicularis Oris Muscle

No mango yog spills here with the orbicularis oris muscle in tact. When working well, it forms the perfect seal.

Innervated by the buccal and mandibular branches of the facial nerve.

The Orbicularis Oculi Muscle

With both a palpebral and orbital part, eyes shut means eyes shut.

Innervated by the temporal and zygomatic branches of the facial nerve.

The Nasalis Muscle

When the nostrils are flared, the alar part of the nasalis muscle is in action, and you best move out the way. Conversely, the transverse part of the nasalis muscle works to compress the nasal aperture.

Innervated by the buccal branches of the facial nerve.

The Zygomaticus Muscle

Divided into the zygomaticus minor and major muscles, smiley Terrence, is our favourite <3. Just look at those cheeks!

Innervated by the zygomatic and buccal branches of the facial nerve.

Platysma Muscle

The platysma. The opposite of wrinkly crinkly forehead time, it’s stretchy stretchy neck time.

Innervated by the cervical branch of the facial nerve.

*this is not an extensive list of the muscles of facial expression or details required to prepare for an exam by any means, to learn them properly we recommend a better resource, like our Anatomy Textbook.