Quick Facts
Origin: Lateral surface of zygomatic bone.
Insertion: Angle of mouth.
Action: Elevates upper lip.
Innervation: Zygomatic and buccal branches of facial nerve (CN VII).
Arterial Supply: Superior labial artery.
Origin
The zygomaticus minor muscle originates from the lateral surface of the zygomatic bone, near the zygomaticomaxillary suture.
Insertion
The fibers of the zygomaticus minor muscle course inferiorly and medially to blend with levator labii superioris and orbicularis oris muscles.
Key Features & Anatomical Relations
The zygomaticus minor muscle sits medial the zygomaticus major muscle.
Actions
The zygomaticus minor muscle elevates the upper lip. This action is used when smiling (Standring, 2016).
List of Clinical Correlates
- Bell’s palsy
References
Standring, S. (2016) Gray's Anatomy: The Anatomical Basis of Clinical Practice. Gray's Anatomy Series 41st edn.: Elsevier Limited.
