Muscle
Orbicularis oris
Closes and purses the lips
High-yield
Sphincter of the mouth (kissing muscle); CN VII (buccal/mandibular branches).
Overview
The sphincter muscle of the mouth that closes and protrudes the lips for speech, whistling, and kissing. A muscle of facial expression (CN VII).
Reference facts
- Origin
- Maxilla, mandible, and surrounding facial muscles near the mouth
- Insertion
- Skin and mucous membrane of the lips
- Action
- Closes, compresses, and protrudes the lips
- Innervation
- Buccal and marginal mandibular branches of the facial nerve (CN VII)
- Blood supply
- Facial artery (labial branches)
Frequently asked questions
What does the orbicularis oris do?
The orbicularis oris closes, compresses, and protrudes the lips.
What nerve innervates the orbicularis oris?
The orbicularis oris is innervated by the buccal and marginal mandibular branches of the facial nerve (CN VII).
Where does the orbicularis oris attach?
The orbicularis oris originates from the maxilla, mandible, and surrounding facial muscles near the mouth and inserts on the skin and mucous membrane of the lips.
What is the blood supply of the orbicularis oris?
The orbicularis oris is supplied by the facial artery (labial branches).