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Muscles for Facial Expressions

Muscles for Facial Expressions

The craniofacial muscles are a collection of approximately 20 thin skeletal muscles situated beneath the skin of the face and scalp. These muscles, primarily responsible for the vast array of human facial expressions, originate from the bones or fibrous structures of the skull and extend outwards to connect with the skin. While most skeletal muscles in the body are enveloped in thick fascia, facial muscles generally have a more delicate fascial covering, with the buccinator muscle being a...

Cranial Bones: Lateral View

Cranial Bones: Lateral View

The lateral view of the cranium is dominated by temporal, sphenoid, and ethmoid bones.
The temporal bone forms the lower lateral side of the skull. The temporal bone is subdivided into several regions. The flattened upper portion is the squamous portion of the temporal bone. Below this area and projecting anteriorly is the zygomatic process of the temporal bone, which forms the posterior portion of the zygomatic arch. Posteriorly is the mastoid portion of the temporal bone. Projecting...

Overview of the Skull

Overview of the Skull

The cranium (skull) is the skeletal structure of the head that supports the face and protects the brain. It is subdivided into the facial bones and the brain case, or cranial vault. The facial bones underlie the facial structures, form the nasal cavity, enclose the eyeballs, and support the teeth of the upper and lower jaws.
The cranial vault surrounds and protects the brain and houses the middle and inner ear structures. This cavity is bounded superiorly by the rounded top of the skull, which...

Cranial Bones: Superior and Posterior View

Cranial Bones: Superior and Posterior View

The superior view of the cranium shows the frontal and paired parietal bones.
The frontal bone is the single bone that forms the forehead. At its anterior midline, between the eyebrows, there is a slight depression called the glabella. The frontal bone also forms the supraorbital margin of the orbit. Near the middle of this margin is the supraorbital foramen, the opening that provides passage for a sensory nerve to the forehead. The frontal bone is thickened just above each supraorbital margin,...

Oral Cavity

Oral Cavity

The oral cavity, or the mouth, is a complex structure in humans that plays a vital role in our day-to-day lives. Its role is not only in chewing and swallowing food; it also plays a role in speech and facial expressions.
Teeth: The teeth are the hardest structures in our bodies. Humans have two sets of teeth throughout their lifetime: deciduous (baby) teeth and permanent teeth. Each tooth consists of several parts: the crown (visible part), the root (embedded in the jaw), enamel (hard outer...

Muscles of the Anterior Neck

Muscles of the Anterior Neck

The anterior neck muscles are the group of muscles covering the front part of the neck. These muscles are classified into three subgroups. The first one is the superficial muscles, the most visible muscles in the front of the neck. It includes the platysma and sternocleidomastoid. The second group is the suprahyoid muscles, located above the hyoid bone. This group comprises the digastric, mylohyoid, geniohyoid, and stylohyoid. Lastly, the infrahyoid muscles are found below the hyoid bone and...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 20, 2026

Reverse Dissection and DiceCT Reveal Otherwise Hidden Data in the Evolution of the Primate Face

Reverse Dissection and DiceCT Reveal Otherwise Hidden Data in the Evolution of the Primate Face

Published on: January 7, 2019

[Anatomy of the midface].

¹Centre de chirurgie esthétique du Cap d'Antibes, 90, boulevard du Cap, 06160 Cap d'Antibes, France. info@henry-delmar.com

Annales De Chirurgie Plastique Et Esthetique

|September 1, 2009

Summary

The facial structure of the middle third, including malar, zygomatic, and orbital areas, is detailed. Anatomical structures like the orbicularis oculi muscle and fat pads play crucial roles in facial expressions and functions.

Area of Science:

Anatomy
Facial Anatomy
Surgical Anatomy

Context:

The middle third of the face is a complex anatomical region.
Understanding its structure is crucial for facial procedures.
The interplay between bone, muscle, and fat is key.

Purpose:

To describe the anatomical organization of the middle third of the face.
To detail the roles of the orbicularis oculi muscle and malar fat pads.
To correlate anatomical findings with clinical observations.

Summary:

The middle third of the face comprises malar, zygomatic, and orbital areas, with the maxilla and zygoma forming its bony base.
The orbicularis oculi muscle (OOM) is supported by ligaments and septa, dividing superficial and deep fat layers.

More Related Videos

Midface Hypoplasia and Cranial Base Morphology in Syndromic Craniosynostosis: A Comparative Analysis Study Using a Predictive Regression Model

Midface Hypoplasia and Cranial Base Morphology in Syndromic Craniosynostosis: A Comparative Analysis Study Using a Predictive Regression Model

Published on: November 4, 2025

Single-stage Dynamic Reanimation of the Smile in Irreversible Facial Paralysis by Free Functional Muscle Transfer

Single-stage Dynamic Reanimation of the Smile in Irreversible Facial Paralysis by Free Functional Muscle Transfer

Published on: March 1, 2015

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: Jun 20, 2026

Reverse Dissection and DiceCT Reveal Otherwise Hidden Data in the Evolution of the Primate Face

Reverse Dissection and DiceCT Reveal Otherwise Hidden Data in the Evolution of the Primate Face

Published on: January 7, 2019

Midface Hypoplasia and Cranial Base Morphology in Syndromic Craniosynostosis: A Comparative Analysis Study Using a Predictive Regression Model

Midface Hypoplasia and Cranial Base Morphology in Syndromic Craniosynostosis: A Comparative Analysis Study Using a Predictive Regression Model

Published on: November 4, 2025

Single-stage Dynamic Reanimation of the Smile in Irreversible Facial Paralysis by Free Functional Muscle Transfer

Single-stage Dynamic Reanimation of the Smile in Irreversible Facial Paralysis by Free Functional Muscle Transfer

Published on: March 1, 2015

The deep malar fat pad (SOOF) and superficial malar fat pad function as a unit, influencing facial expressions and prehension.

Impact:

Provides a detailed anatomical understanding of the midface.
Highlights the functional significance of facial fat pads and muscles.
Offers insights relevant to plastic surgery and facial rejuvenation techniques.