Athena Vale
The human face has about 20 facial muscles that help us chew and make facial expressions. One of the most important muscles that tense the cheek is the buccinator muscle. This thin, square-shaped muscle is located between the upper and lower jaws and connects the cheek and jaw bones to the mouth. The buccinator muscle compresses the cheek against the molar teeth and prevents the cheeks from being bitten during chewing. It also helps in whistling, smiling, and suckling.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Muscle Name | Buccinator |
| Muscle Shape | Thin, quadrilateral |
| Muscle Structure | Three parts: superior, inferior, and posterior |
| Muscle Origin | Alveolar process of maxilla, buccinator ridge of mandible, pterygomandibular raphe |
| Muscle Insertion | Modiolus, blending with other facial muscles |
| Innervation | Buccal branches of the facial nerve (CN VII) |
| Vascularization | Buccal branch of the maxillary artery |
| Function | Compresses the cheek, prevents biting of cheeks during mastication, aids in whistling and smiling |
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What You'll Learn
The buccinator muscle
The function of the buccinator muscle is to compress the cheek against the molar teeth, preventing them from being bitten during mastication (chewing). It also helps to keep the chewed food in the centre of the mouth, preventing it from escaping into the oral vestibule. In addition, the buccinator muscle is important for playing wind instruments and whistling, as it allows for the compression of the cheeks, which helps to blow air from the inflated vestibule.
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Compressing the cheek
All three parts of the buccinator converge towards the angle of the mouth and fill the space between the upper and lower jaws. At the angle of the mouth, the fibres of the buccinator blend with other facial muscles, including the orbicularis oris, risorius, depressor anguli oris, and zygomaticus major, forming the modiolus. The buccinator is innervated by the buccal branches of the facial nerve (CN VII) and vascularized mainly by the buccal branch of the maxillary artery.
The function of the buccinator muscle is to compress the cheek against the molar teeth, preventing them from being bitten during mastication. It also helps to keep the bolus of food central in the oral cavity and prevents it from escaping into the oral vestibule. In addition, the buccinator is important for playing wind instruments or whistling, as it allows air to be blown from the inflated vestibule by compressing the cheeks.
The buccinator muscle also aids in the closure of the mouth and may be involved in salivation. Its contraction thickens the cheek, which is noticeable when smiling, suckling (in babies), and whistling.
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Closing the mouth
The orbicularis oris muscle is responsible for closing the lips. It is a circular muscle that surrounds the mouth and forms the majority of the lips. The orbicularis oris consists of two parts: the labial and marginal. Both portions originate from the modiolus, with their fibres coursing medially to fill the area around the mouth.
The masseter muscle is another important muscle involved in jaw closure. It is a strong muscle that runs from the cheek to the side of the jaw, contributing to the powerful force required for chewing.
Facial muscles work together in groups to enable various functions, including chewing and making facial expressions. The buccinator, for example, aids in whistling, smiling, and suckling in babies, in addition to its role in compressing the cheeks. The masseter, also known as the "pouting muscle", contributes to the pouting expression by raising and thrusting out the lower lip.
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Preventing biting of cheeks
Cheek biting can be painful and may indicate a compulsive disorder or body-focused repetitive behaviour (BFRB). Chronic cheek biting can cause severe damage to the inner lining of the mouth, known as chronic mechanical irritation (CMI). This can lead to oral lesions, increasing the risk of infections and scars. Cheek biting can also be a sign of a misaligned jaw or teeth, or a psychological concept known as oral fixation, which involves a constant urge for oral stimulation.
To prevent biting your cheeks, it is important to first identify the triggers. For example, cheek biting can be caused by stress, anxiety, boredom, or depression. It can also occur during sleep, such as through nighttime teeth grinding. Once the triggers are identified, the behaviour can be managed and replaced with healthier alternatives. For instance, crunchy snacks and chewing gum can provide a similar sensation to biting your cheek without causing harm. Other alternatives include squeezing a stress ball, tapping your fingers, or playing a musical instrument.
Staying hydrated by drinking water can also help reduce the urge to bite your cheeks, as dry mouth often results in the urge to bite the inside of the cheeks and lips. Maintaining good oral hygiene is also important, especially if there are sores or wounds in the mouth from cheek biting. This helps to avoid bacterial infections and maintain overall oral health.
If cheek biting is a cause for concern, it is recommended to consult a physician, psychologist, or dentist. They can help develop a treatment plan to manage and stop the behaviour. For example, a psychologist may recommend journaling to track the behaviour and identify triggers. They can also provide emotional support and help address any underlying emotions driving the behaviour.
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Facial expressions
The human face has about 20 facial muscles that enable us to chew and make facial expressions. These muscles are located within the subcutaneous tissue of the face, originating from bone or fascia and attaching onto the skin. As they contract, they pull on the skin to create facial movements.
The buccinator muscle, sometimes called the "trumpeter muscle", shapes the muscular structure of the cheek. It fills the space between the maxilla and mandible (upper and lower jaws), connecting the cheek and jaw bones to the mouth. The buccinator muscle compresses the cheek against the molar teeth, preventing the cheeks from being bitten during chewing. It also helps to keep a bolus of food centred in the mouth and prevents it from escaping into the oral vestibule. The buccinator is involved in whistling, smiling, and suckling in babies.
The orbicularis oculi muscle surrounds the eye socket and extends into the eyelid. It has three parts: the palpebral, lacrimal, and orbital. The orbital part pulls the skin of the forehead and cheek towards the nose and tightly closes the eyes, often for protective purposes. The palpebral part controls the eyelids by closing them gently during blinking or sleeping. The deep palpebral part pulls the eyelids and lacrimal papillae medially, dilating the lacrimal sac and compressing the lacrimal gland and ducts, facilitating the flow of tears.
The levator labii superioris is a short triangular muscle that originates from the zygomatic process of the maxilla and maxillary process of the zygomatic bone. It attaches to the skin and submucosa of the upper lip, blending with other facial muscles. This muscle aids in lifting and inverting the upper lip, showing the maxillary teeth and deepening the nasolabial lines. This movement is necessary for making some facial expressions, such as snarling, smiling, grinning, and expressing contempt.
The risorius muscle is involved in pulling the angles of the mouth laterally, and it is often active during smiling.
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Frequently asked questions
The buccinator muscle is responsible for tensing the cheek.
The buccinator muscle is a thin, quadrilateral facial muscle that lies on the side of the face near the cheeks.
The buccinator muscle compresses the cheek against the molar teeth to prevent them from being bitten during chewing. It also helps to keep chewed food in the mouth and prevents it from escaping into the oral vestibule.
The buccinator muscle is also used for playing wind instruments or whistling. It allows air to be blown from the inflated vestibule by compressing the cheeks.
The orbicularis oris muscle is a circular muscle that surrounds the mouth and forms the lips. The mentalis muscle, also known as the "pouting muscle", raises and thrusts out the lower lip.
