Muscle
Buccinator
Muscle of the cheek
High-yield
Keeps food on the occlusal surface during chewing ("trumpeter's muscle"); CN VII, not a muscle of mastication.
Overview
A thin cheek muscle that presses the cheek against the teeth to keep food between the molars during chewing; also used in blowing.
Reference facts
- Origin
- Alveolar processes of the maxilla and mandible and the pterygomandibular raphe
- Insertion
- Angle of the mouth, blending with orbicularis oris
- Action
- Compresses the cheek against the teeth; keeps the food bolus between the teeth; aids blowing and sucking
- Innervation
- Buccal branch of the facial nerve (CN VII)
- Blood supply
- Facial / buccal arteries
Frequently asked questions
What does the buccinator do?
The buccinator compresses the cheek against the teeth; keeps the food bolus between the teeth; aids blowing and sucking.
What nerve innervates the buccinator?
The buccinator is innervated by the buccal branch of the facial nerve (CN VII).
Where does the buccinator attach?
The buccinator originates from the alveolar processes of the maxilla and mandible and the pterygomandibular raphe and inserts on the angle of the mouth, blending with orbicularis oris.
What is the blood supply of the buccinator?
The buccinator is supplied by the facial / buccal arteries.