Muscle
Zygomaticus major
Smiling muscle
High-yield
Elevates the angle of the mouth in smiling; CN VII (zygomatic/buccal branches).
Overview
A muscle of facial expression running from the cheekbone to the angle of the mouth that draws it up and back to smile.
Reference facts
- Origin
- Zygomatic bone (anterior to the temporal process)
- Insertion
- Angle of the mouth (modiolus)
- Action
- Draws the angle of the mouth superolaterally (smiling)
- Innervation
- Zygomatic and buccal branches of the facial nerve (CN VII)
- Blood supply
- Facial artery
Frequently asked questions
What does the zygomaticus major do?
The zygomaticus major draws the angle of the mouth superolaterally (smiling).
What nerve innervates the zygomaticus major?
The zygomaticus major is innervated by the zygomatic and buccal branches of the facial nerve (CN VII).
Where does the zygomaticus major attach?
The zygomaticus major originates from the zygomatic bone (anterior to the temporal process) and inserts on the angle of the mouth (modiolus).
What is the blood supply of the zygomaticus major?
The zygomaticus major is supplied by the facial artery.