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Related Concept Videos

Muscles for Facial Expressions01:14

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 Nerves: Types Part I01:14

Cranial Nerves: Types Part I

Cranial nerves are responsible for transmitting motor and sensory information between the brain and various parts of the body. There are twelve pairs of cranial nerves, with the first six being essential in sensory perception, motor control, and autonomic functions related to the head and neck.
Olfactory Nerve (Cranial Nerve I)
The olfactory nerve, or cranial nerve I, is unique as it is purely sensory and dedicated to the sense of smell. This nerve originates in the olfactory epithelium of the...
Muscles of the Anterior Neck01:26

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...
Muscles of the Eye01:20

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The muscles of the eye are sophisticated structures that control eye movement and focus, allowing for the precise and rapid adjustments necessary for vision. The human eye is controlled by ten muscles — six extraocular muscles, three intraocular muscles, and one primary eyelid retractor muscle.
Extraocular Muscles
The six extraocular muscles surround the eyeball and control its movements. They are responsible for a wide range of eye motions, including looking up, down, left, right, and rotating...
Cranial Bones: Lateral View01:27

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...
Cranial Bones: Superior and Posterior View01:14

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,...

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Updated: Jun 6, 2026

Single-stage Dynamic Reanimation of the Smile in Irreversible Facial Paralysis by Free Functional Muscle Transfer
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Bifid Zygomaticus Major Muscle With Absent Risorius and Facial Artery Trifurcation.

Maria Piagkou1,2, George Triantafyllou1,2, Christos Lyrtzis3

  • 1Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece.

The Journal of Craniofacial Surgery
|June 5, 2026
PubMed
Summary

The zygomaticus major muscle, crucial for facial expressions, showed an unusual bifid configuration in a cadaver study. This anatomical variation highlights the importance of understanding zygomaticus major muscle anomalies for surgical precision.

Keywords:
Bifid musclecadaveric studyfacial arteryfacial nervemidface anatomymodiolusvariationzygomaticus major

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Area of Science:

  • Anatomy
  • Surgical Anatomy
  • Morphology

Background:

  • The zygomaticus major muscle (ZM) is vital for facial expression and smile dynamics.
  • It is a key landmark in craniofacial surgery, but its morphology can vary.
  • Previous studies suggest significant variability, including bifid configurations.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To meticulously dissect and assess the morphology of the zygomaticus major muscle (ZM).
  • To evaluate the spatial relationships of the ZM with surrounding neurovascular structures and perioral musculature.
  • To document anatomical variations relevant to craniofacial and aesthetic surgical procedures.

Main Methods:

  • A detailed lateral facial dissection was performed on a single 74-year-old male cadaver.
  • Focused examination of the zygomaticus major muscle, perioral muscles, facial nerve branches, parotid duct, and facial vasculature.
  • Documentation of observed anatomical configurations and relationships.

Main Results:

  • The zygomaticus major muscle presented a bifid configuration with superior and inferior slips.
  • The risorius muscle was absent.
  • The parotid duct coursed deep to the inferior ZM slip, and the facial artery exhibited an atypical trifurcation.
  • Facial nerve branches (zygomatic and buccal) ran deep to the bifid ZM slips.

Conclusions:

  • This case highlights significant anatomical variability of the zygomaticus major muscle and its close association with neurovascular structures.
  • The coexistence of muscular and vascular abnormalities in the midface is demonstrated.
  • Recognizing these variants is crucial for successful outcomes in facial reanimation, rhytidectomy, and aesthetic procedures.