1.3 Face

Question 1

What are the muscles of facial expression important in?

Answer 1

Communication, particularly of emotion; some also have functional roles in controlling the opening/closing of openings in the face (eyes, nares, mouth)

Question 2

Where do the muscles of facial expression lie?

Answer 2

Within the superficial fascia of the face (and neck)

Question 3

How do the MOFE differ in terms of position to other skeletal muscles?

Answer 3

They lie superficial rather than deep

Question 4

How do the MOFE differ in terms of attachment to other skeletal muscles?

Answer 4

They attach to other muscles/skin instead of bone

Question 5

What are the key muscles of facial expression?

Answer 5

1. Oribicularis oculi (orbital ocularis = above eye; palpebral oculi = below eye)
2. Orbicularis oris = around the mouth
3. Buccinators = within the cheeks
4. Platysma = superficially in neck; depresses jaw/draws down lower lip
5. Occipitofrontalis = frontal belly over forehead

Question 6

Describe the innervation of the muscles of facial expression

Answer 6

Cranial nerve VII (facial nerve) via its terminal branches

Question 7

Through which foramen does the facial nerve emerge onto the side of the face?

Answer 7

stylomastoid foramen

Question 8

What are the 2 bony points on either side of the stylomastoid foramen?

Answer 8

• styloid process

- mastoid process

Question 9

What is the gland on the side of the face?

Answer 9

parotid gland