The facial muscles around the mouth are:
- Orbicularis oris: This muscle surrounds the mouth and is responsible for puckering and closing the lips.
- Buccinator: This muscle is located in the cheek and helps to keep the cheek against the teeth. It also helps to form a seal between the lips and teeth, which is important for speaking and whistling.
- Levator labii superioris: This muscle elevates the upper lip.
- Levator labii superioris alaeque nasi: This muscle elevates the upper lip and flares the alae nasi (the wings of the nose).
- Risorius: This muscle draws the corners of the mouth laterally, which is involved in smiling.
- Levator anguli oris: This muscle elevates the corners of the mouth, which is also involved in smiling.
- Zygomaticus major and minor: These muscles pull the corners of the mouth up and laterally, producing a smile.
- Depressor anguli oris: This muscle depresses the corners of the mouth, which is involved in frowning.
- Mentalis: This muscle elevates the chin and depresses the lower lip, which is involved in pouting.
These muscles work together to create a variety of facial expressions, including smiling, frowning, pouting, and speaking.
