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The orbicularis oris muscle, also known as the kissing muscle, is responsible for puckering the lips. It is a complex, multi-layered muscle that attaches to the dermis of the upper and lower lips and is composed of four independent quadrants that interlace. The deep fibres of the orbicularis oris act as a constrictor and are responsible for the sphincteric action of the mouth, while the superficial fibres are responsible for finer movements such as pouting and pursing the lips. The muscle is innervated by the buccal and marginal mandibular branches of the facial nerve and is in close proximity to the depressor anguli oris, depressor labii inferioris, and mentalis muscles.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Muscle Name | Orbicularis Oris |
| Muscle Group | Buccolabial |
| Muscle Type | Complex circular muscle |
| Muscle Parts | Peripheral, Marginal, Superficial, Deep |
| Muscle Function | Closes, protrudes, compresses, and puckers the lips |
| Muscle Innervation | Buccal and mandibular branches of facial nerve (CN VII) |
| Muscle Blood Supply | Superior and inferior labial branches of the facial artery |
| Associated Muscles | Levator Anguli Oris, Depressor Anguli Oris, Buccinator, Risorius, Zygomaticus Major, Zygomaticus Minor, Depressor Labii Inferioris, Mentalis, Incisivus Superior and Inferior |
| Muscle Repair | Accuracy in repair is important to avoid distortion |
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What You'll Learn
The orbicularis oris muscle
The muscle consists of two layers: a superficial layer and a deep layer. The deep fibres are horizontal and act to compress the lips and provide sphincter function, while the superficial fibres are responsible for finer movements. The horizontal fibres intermingle with oblique fibres that act to evert the lips, giving them their characteristic pout. The muscle fibres originate from the modiolus complex and insert into the skin and subcutaneous tissues of the upper lip. The upper lip portion of the orbicularis oris muscle inserts on the maxilla just superior to the canine, while the lower lip portion originates on the mandible just lateral to the mentum.
The orbicularis oris is part of a large group of muscles of facial expression called the buccolabial group. The function of the orbicularis oris is to control the shape and movements of the lips. It closes, protrudes and compresses the lips, facilitating speech and helping to produce various facial expressions such as anger and sadness. The muscle is innervated by the buccal and mandibular branches of the facial nerve (CN VII). The arterial blood supply is mostly derived from the superior and inferior labial branches of the facial artery, mental and infraorbital branches of the maxillary artery, and the transverse facial branch of the superficial temporal artery.
The orbicularis oris is also one of the muscles used in playing all brass instruments and some woodwind instruments. Injury to the muscle can cause pain, fatigue and drooling. It can put trumpet players, opera singers, and anyone else who depends on their lips out of work.
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Facial expressions and speech
The human face has about 20 facial muscles that enable essential functions such as chewing and making facial expressions. These muscles are located within the subcutaneous tissue of the face, originating from bone or fascia and inserting into the skin. Facial muscles can be broadly categorized into three groups: orbital, nasal, and oral.
The oral group of facial muscles is responsible for movements of the mouth and lips, including puckering the lips. The orbicularis oris muscle, often referred to as the "muscle of the kiss," is the primary muscle involved in puckering the lips. It surrounds the opening of the oral cavity and is responsible for narrowing, rounding, protruding, and closing the lips.
Other muscles that contribute to facial expressions and speech include the buccinator, which shapes the cheek and aids in compacting food during chewing; the depressor anguli oris, which works with other muscles to produce a frown; and the levator labii superioris, which enables smiling or expressing disgust.
The evolution of speech and language has been influenced by the concomitant development of facial expressions and vocalizations. For example, lip-smacking expressions in monkeys and humans are controlled by the insula, a social sensory-motor node. This suggests that the increase in rhythmic frequency and decrease in variability observed in both monkey lip smacking and human speech may be due to socially guided development.
Facial muscles are essential not only for facial expressions but also for producing different vocalizations and sounds. For instance, the orbicularis oris muscle is crucial for producing labial sounds or letters like "b," "m," and "p," which require complete or partial closure of the lips.
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The buccinator muscle
This muscle is responsible for compressing the cheeks and expelling air between the lips. It is involved in various facial expressions, such as whistling, blowing a kiss, or sucking on a lemon. The buccinator is also an important muscle in mastication (chewing), helping to hold food in the mouth and move it towards the tongue during chewing. It originates from three areas, giving rise to three muscular bundles: the maxillary bundle, the mandibular bundle, and the longitudinal bundle. The maxillary bundle arises from the buccal portion of the maxilla's alveolar process, the mandibular bundle originates from the buccal portion of the mandible's alveolar process, and the longitudinal bundle emerges from the pterygomandibular raphe.
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The role of the zygomaticus major muscle
The zygomaticus major muscle is a thin, paired facial muscle that plays a crucial role in facial expressions and speech. It originates from the lateral surface of the zygomatic bone and extends diagonally to the angle of the mouth. This muscle is part of the buccolabial group of facial muscles, which includes the risorius, levator labii superioris, and orbicularis oris, among others. These muscles work together to facilitate movements of the cheeks, lips, and chin, allowing us to create various facial expressions and enabling speech.
One of the primary functions of the zygomaticus major muscle is to raise the upper lip, baring the upper teeth. It also deepens and raises the nasolabial furrow, contributing to the formation of facial expressions such as smiling, disdain, contempt, or smugness. The contraction of this muscle pulls the angle of the mouth superolaterally, resulting in a range of expressions.
The zygomaticus major muscle is innervated by the zygomatic and buccal branches of the facial nerve (CN VII). Its blood supply primarily comes from the superior labial artery, which is a branch of the facial artery. The muscle's attachment point, known as the modiolus, is located at the angles of the mouth and is shared with several other muscles, including the risorius, orbicularis oris, and buccinator.
The zygomaticus major muscle is also clinically significant in reconstructive surgery. Due to its location and function, it can be used to replace lost tissue in injuries involving the lips. Additionally, the zygomaticus major muscle plays a role in creating the variety of smile shapes observed in humans, as the precise position of the modiolus can vary between individuals.
In summary, the zygomaticus major muscle is essential for facial expressions, particularly those involving the upper lip and the display of emotions. Its coordination with other buccolabial muscles enables speech and contributes to the dynamic nature of human facial expressions.
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Repairing cleft lips
Cleft lip repair is a surgical procedure that can be approached with a wide range of techniques. The primary goal of cleft lip repair is to restore the function of the orbicularis oris muscle, which is responsible for puckering the lips, and to achieve a favourable cosmetic outcome for the developing child.
The choice of surgical technique depends on several factors, including surgeon preference, the severity of the deformity, and the presence of other deformities. Some of the most widely used techniques include tape adhesion and orthopedic appliances. Tape adhesion involves applying steri strips across the cleft to narrow it and minimise lip tension after repair. Orthopedic appliances, also known as nasoalveolar molding, involve wearing a palatal appliance constructed by an orthodontist to bring the alveolar arches closer together and further narrow the cleft.
Cleft lip repair surgery typically occurs when a child is between 2 and 6 months old, depending on their health status and local cleft team protocols. The surgery involves making an incision along the edges of the cleft lip, extending up into the nose. Stitches are then used to reapproximate the muscle of the upper lip and bring the cut edges of the skin together to shape the lip and nostrils. The surgery usually takes less than two hours, and the child will spend the night in the hospital to ensure they tolerate the procedure well.
In some cases, cleft lip repair may be delayed to address other, more urgent medical conditions or to allow for further evaluation of coexisting conditions. Additionally, cleft palate repair, which addresses the separation in the roof of the mouth, is generally performed after cleft lip repair when the child is between 9 and 18 months old.
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Frequently asked questions
The muscle used for puckering lips is the orbicularis oris muscle.
The orbicularis oris muscle is a complex, multi-layered muscle that is responsible for various movements of the orofacial region, including puckering the lips. It also contributes to the contour of the lip region.
The name "orbicularis oris" refers to the circular shape of the muscle, which consists of upper and lower lip contributions that have deep and superficial fibers.
The buccinator and pharyngeal constrictor muscles form a functional unit with the orbicularis oris muscle, known as the "buccinator mechanism". This mechanism is important for orofacial functions such as swallowing, sucking, whistling, chewing, and kissing.
While specific exercises for the orbicularis oris muscle may be available, any exercise that involves puckering the lips, such as playing brass or woodwind instruments, whistling, or blowing bubbles, can help strengthen this muscle.
