Zygomaticus major muscle

The zygomaticus major muscle is a member of the buccolabial muscle group of the upper lip. It joins with the fibers of levator anguli oris, orbicularis oris and the more deeply placed muscular bands to move the side of the mouth upwards and sideways during facial movements such as laughing.

Summary

• origin: in front of the zygomaticotemporal suture of the zygomatic bone
• insertion: angle of the mouth where it blends with the fibers of levator anguli oris, orbicularis oris and more deeply placed muscular bands

Blood supply

• superior labial branch of the facial artery

Innervation

• zygomatic and buccal branches of the facial nerve

Action

• draws the labial commissure (angle of the mouth) backward, upwards and laterally (e.g. when laughing and smiling).

See also

• zygomaticus minor muscle
• muscles of facial expression
• facial nerve
• facial artery
• orbicularis oris muscle