The word "musculus zygomaticus minor", also known as "lesser zygomatic", is spelled in accordance with the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA), which refers to the sounds of the word. The IPA transcription for "musculus zygomaticus minor" is /ˈmʌskjʊləs zaɪɡəˈmætɪkəs ˈmaɪnər/. The correct spelling of this word is essential in the medical field, as it is a muscle found in the human face that is responsible for lifting the upper lip, contributing to facial expression.
The musculus zygomaticus minor, also known as the lesser zygomatic muscle, is a small muscle located in the face. It is one of the muscles responsible for facial expressions and is specifically involved in smiling.
The zygomaticus minor muscle originates from the zygomatic bone, which is the cheekbone, near the infraorbital foramen, an opening on the maxilla bone below the eye socket. The muscle then inserts into the orbicularis oris muscle, which is the circular muscle surrounding the mouth.
When the musculus zygomaticus minor contracts, it pulls the outer corner of the lip upward and backward, contributing to the formation of a smile. This muscle works in conjunction with other facial muscles to create various facial expressions, including expressions of happiness, joy, and amusement.
The activation of the musculus zygomaticus minor during smiling is controlled by the seventh cranial nerve, known as the facial nerve. Any damage or dysfunction of this nerve can lead to a weakened or paralyzed musculus zygomaticus minor, resulting in difficulty in smiling or displaying normal facial expressions.
Understanding the anatomy and function of the musculus zygomaticus minor is important in various fields, including plastic surgery, neurology, and psychology, as it contributes significantly to one's overall facial expression and nonverbal communication.
Caput zygomaticum quadrati labii superioris; origin, under surface of malar bone; insertion, orbicularis oris of upper lip; action, draws upper lip upward and outward; nerve supply, facial.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.