Zygomaticus major
Musculus zygomaticus major
MuscularSuperficial musclesHeadLeft and right
View left in 3D View right in 3D
- What it is
- Slender strap from the lateral surface of the zygomatic bone running down and forwards to the modiolus at the corner of the mouth.
- Function
- Draws the angle of the mouth upwards and outwards — the principal smiling muscle.
- Size
- About 6 cm long and 1 cm wide.
- Clinical note
- A bifid zygomaticus major is thought to cause cheek dimples; a genuine (Duchenne) smile combines it with orbicularis oculi.