Face and Skull Muscle Actions

Question 1

Occipitofrontalis - Frontal belly

Answer 1

• elevates eyebrows and wrinkles skin of forehead

Question 2

Occipitofrontalis - Occipital belly

Answer 2

• retracts scalp

Question 3

Buccinator

Answer 3

• Presses cheek against teeth

- Resists distension of cheek when blowing

Question 4

Orbicularis oris

Answer 4

• Closes mouth
• Compresses and protrudes lips
• Resists distension of lips when blowing

Question 5

Orbicularis oculi

Answer 5

• Closes eyelids

Question 6

Masseter

Answer 6

• Elevate and protrude mandible

Question 7

Temporalis

Answer 7

• Elevate and retrude mandible

Question 8

Lateral pterygoid

Answer 8

• Bilaterally: protrudes and depresses mandible

- Unilaterally: laterally deviates jaw to contralateral side

Question 9

Medial pterygoid

Answer 9

• Bilaterally: protrudes and elevates mandible

- Unilaterally: lateral deviates jaw to contralateral side