buccinator

Introduction

Facial muscle of the cheek.

Origin

• posterior portion of the alveolar portion of the maxilla & mandible & pterygomandibular raphe

Insertion

• angle of the mouth
• fibers also become insterspersed with horizontal fibers from the orbicularis

Action

• flattens cheek
• retracts angle of mouth
• plays an important role in mastication, working with the tongue & the orbicularis oris to keep food between the teeth; when is paralyzed (Bell's palsy), food accumulates in the oral vestibule

Innervation

facial nerve (CN VII)

More general terms

• skeletal muscle (voluntary muscle)