Does a person have muscles on his face? Function of facial muscles. Features of the structure of facial muscles. Facial muscles or facial muscles. Muscles of the eye circumference

The entire human body, including the head, face and neck, is formed by muscles. And the contours of one or another area of ​​the human face depend on the tone in which they are located. To maintain firmness and elasticity muscular frame for a long time, you need to understand how to work with them correctly, you need to study photos with descriptions and be able to read muscle diagrams.

Modern cosmetic procedures cannot be carried out without basic knowledge of the anatomy and physiology of the skin.

This information allows the cosmetologist to correctly work on age-related changes in the skin, qualitatively improve its general condition and carry out timely work with the facial muscles, influencing them with the help of massage movements when performing cosmetic manipulations.

The structure of the muscles of the facial skin, studying their descriptions from photographs and diagrams is basic knowledge anatomy. Without them, not a single cosmetologist will be able to competently perform a massage or inject Botox under the skin of the face without negative consequences or perform a microcurrent therapy procedure.

Anatomy of facial muscles

What shape are the facial muscles?

The facial muscles look like flat, elongated bundles with a very thin muscle part.

Where are the muscles located and how are they attached?

This muscle group is located in the subcutaneous connective tissue of the facial part of the head. They, unlike muscles located in other parts of the human body, do not have a double attachment to the bones of the skeleton, but are woven at one end into ligaments.

The exception is a small group of four muscles, which is located on the side of the head and ensures the process of chewing food. The facial muscles are often paired, with the exception of the orbicularis oris, nasalis and supracranial muscles. In addition, muscles are classified according to their depth. There are deep, medium and superficial muscles.

How to contract

The activity of the facial muscles is always coordinated by the central nervous system. The brain, receiving a signal about some process occurring from the outside, transmits it to the facial muscles, and they, in turn, translate the received information into the language of muscle contraction and display it on the person’s face in the form of some kind of facial movements.

Any muscle movements are always an accurate reflection of all kinds of nerve impulses.

With nervous diseases, injuries, infections, muscle contraction is impaired. These changes can be congenital, permanent or temporary. The most serious disease is paralysis of the facial muscles. Because of it, the muscles lose the ability to completely close the eyes and jaws.

Where is platysma located?

Platysma is a superficial thin layer of neck muscles, which is responsible for its beauty and overall appearance. It is located immediately under the skin and fuses tightly with it.

Despite this fact, the platysma is not involved in movements carried out by the head and neck, and tenses only with strong physical activity or during acute emotional experiences: for example, at a moment of furious anger or severe physical pain, thereby playing a significant role in facial expressions. In many ways, platysma differs from all other muscle groups.

platism is more susceptible to all kinds of changes and rapid loss elasticity, so its condition requires timely and high-quality preventive care.

Massage lines and facial muscles - relationship

Facial muscles are a kind of frame that keeps the skin toned, keeping it elastic and firm. And massage is a manipulation that has a beneficial effect on them, subsequently tightening the skin on the face itself. Massage makes the skin on the face even fresher and more beautiful, helping to get rid of acne and unevenness, creating a chiseled contour of the face itself.

This procedure is done strictly according to massage lines - certain directions of movements followed by the cosmetologist performing this procedure.

Direction of massage lines:

• from the middle of the chin along the jawbone;
• from the corners of the lips to the bottom of the ears;
• from the back of the nose towards the temples in both directions;
• from the wings of the nose to its back;
• from the bridge of the nose to the hairline;
• from the eyebrow space to the temples and hair.

Massage lines coincide with the direction of lymph flow, and with certain manipulations they contribute to its acceleration. This, in turn, has a good effect on the general condition of the skin and helps rid the body of excess toxins and wastes and relieve swelling.

Muscle groups

A person has more than a hundred facial muscles located on the head and neck. You can see each of them in detail in the photo with description and diagrams.

The anatomy of all these muscles is divided into several conditional groups:

• facial expressions;
• oculomotor;
• chewable; oral cavity; language;
• neck muscles.

Some of the facial muscles may simultaneously belong to different groups.

Chewing muscles

The muscles of mastication enable chewing movements.

These include:

• head muscles (temporalis, masseter, lateral, medial pterygoid muscles);
• neck muscles located above the hyoid bone (mylohyoid, geniohyoid and digastric muscles).

This group of muscles has minimal impact on the appearance of the face.

The masticatory muscle, which is responsible for raising the human lower jaw while pronouncing sounds or eating food, is constantly in good shape and does not need additional exercises. However, it tends to undergo spasms due to increased clenching of the teeth, and this negatively affects the blood supply to this area of ​​the face and activates the aging process in it.

The same can be said about the pterygoid masticatory muscles, the main purpose of which is to grind coarse products. Care for this muscle group must be competent in order to contribute to the formation of the correct oval of the face and prevent the further formation of deep wrinkles in the lip area.

Facial muscles

The functionality of facial muscles lies in the formation of emotional manifestations on a person’s face due to a certain extensibility of the skin and the formation of folds that appear in the transverse direction relative to muscle contraction. The more emotional a person is, the higher the risk that facial wrinkles will quickly appear on his face and neck.

Facial muscles are divided into muscles:

• upper front part;
• middle part;
• lower face and neck.

The former, when stretched, form vertical wrinkles on the forehead, horizontal folds on the bridge of the nose and so-called crow's feet under the eyes, the latter create the effect of “sunken cheeks”, deepen nasolabial folds and wrinkles under the eyes and in the oral area.

The muscles of the third group lower the corners of the lips and protrude their lower part forward. High-quality work on the entire muscle area will completely remove the listed imperfections and make the skin texture smoother and more even.

Neck muscles

The neck muscles are divided into three subgroups:

• superficial muscles of the neck;
• muscles of the hyoid bone;
• deep muscles of the neck: anterior, middle and posterior scalene muscles.

The cervical muscles, unlike the facial muscles, have five fascia (the so-called connective tissue membranes that cover the muscles themselves):

Muscle imbalance and spasm of the neck muscles always provoke the development of sagging skin in this area of ​​the body and contribute to the development of wrinkles and folds on the side of the neck, the formation of transverse folds and a double chin.

Other classifications

In addition to the above muscle groups, there are the so-called muscles of the internal organs, such as the tongue, palate, middle ear and eyes.
These muscles also take part in shaping the appearance of the face and facial expressions. They can be examined in more detail in the photos with descriptions and diagrams presented in the article.

Facial muscles and emotions

Each muscle belonging to the facial group coordinates the expression of any emotion:

In total, about 1,200 different combinations of muscle contractions have been identified in nature, reflecting a particular emotion on human face.

Age-related changes in facial muscles

Over the years, facial muscle tissue loses its elasticity and lengthens. The format of such metamorphoses depends on how the muscles behave in different conditions: in a stressful situation, during a period of rest or work, or when talking with people. Such factors as lifestyle, self-care literacy and heredity also have a significant influence.

In those areas where the muscles are not firmly fixed enough to one part of the skin, so-called fatty hernias form over time due to the pulling of the ligaments under the influence of the resulting load. And where the ligaments are still able to hold the facial muscles, folds and creases appear.

There is an opinion that age-related changes muscle tissue faces occur due to tone, elasticity and its increased relaxation, but in fact the point here is different - in the constant tension of the muscles, causing spasms. With increased muscle contraction, the skin of the face becomes folded, changing the relief and structure of the skin.

For example, spasm of the muscle tissue of the forehead leads to the formation of transverse and horizontal lines in this area of ​​the face, increased tone of the orbicularis oculi muscle leads to the formation of wrinkles in the eye area, and contraction of the muscles of the middle facial part leads to the appearance of nasolabial furrows.

Which facial muscles are injected with Botox?

The introduction of Botox is aimed at eliminating facial wrinkles and restoring smoothness to the skin texture. Injections of botulinum toxin (purified natural protein) are performed by a cosmetologist subcutaneously or intradermally into the facial muscles.

These are the muscles where it is necessary to reduce susceptibility to incoming nerve impulses in order to slow down the process of deepening wrinkles in the skin and tighten sagging skin.

The best way botulinum toxin injections show their action in the following muscles:

• in platism;
• in the muscle that depresses the corners of the mouth;
• in the orbicularis muscles of the mouth and eyes;
• in the mental muscle;
• in the nasal muscle;
• in the frontal muscle;
• in the pride muscle and the corrugator muscle.

The amount of the drug for each muscle zone is determined individually by the cosmetologist performing the procedure for introducing Botox under the skin. Maximum effect“hardening” of the facial muscles is observed for 3-6 months after the injection.

As soon as the muscles begin to make the first contractions, after this period of time, the effect of botulinum toxin injections under the skin lasts for about six months.

The facial muscles (photos with descriptions and diagrams can be seen above) should be studied using the photographs and diagrams presented. The diagrams are presented in Russian and Latin. You can see on them detailed description where this or that group of facial muscles is located.

If you know the exact location of the facial and neck muscles and familiarize yourself with the principle of their work, understanding this by studying descriptions, photographs and diagrams, then you can, through subsequent competent stimulation of certain muscle groups, slow down the aging process, maintaining the elasticity and youth of the skin for a long time.

Video on the topic: facial muscles, photos with descriptions and diagrams

How to tighten your facial muscles and make an ideal oval:

Scheme of self-massage of facial muscles Renaissance:

Description of the procedure for injections of Dysport into the facial muscles:

Facial muscle lift. Photos before and after surgery:

Understanding the anatomy of how the facial muscles are located is a direct key to eternal youth, smooth tightened skin. The whole body permeates muscular system. The outlines of a particular area are determined by its tone and current state. To ensure safety, elasticity, plasticity, and prevent thinning, you need to be aware of how different muscle groups work and be able to read structural diagrams.

The importance of facial anatomy for cosmetologists

Innovative cosmetic procedures should not be implemented without basic understanding of human anatomy: its structure, characteristics of the epidermis.

This information helps the cosmetologist build a correct program of work on age-related modifications of the epidermis and improve its condition. They are also necessary when choosing cosmetological effects and massage techniques.

Study of structural features, facial expressions, analysis using methodological tables, diagrams - basic information that a cosmetologist should follow. Without them it is impossible to carry out any aesthetic procedure: no, no Botox effects, no injection therapy.

They are elongated bundle-shaped branches with a thin muscle layer. They are located in the skin-connective head structures.

Unlike muscles located in other areas of the human body, facial muscles do not have double attachment to the bony skeleton. Instead, they are woven with one tip into the internal ligaments.

The only exception to this rule is a small muscle group located on the side of the face. Responsible for grinding food, it regulates the chewing process. All facial muscles (except for the orbicularis oris, nasalis and supracranial muscles) have a pair and differ in the depth of placement. So, they distinguish between superficial, deep, and medium.

Job deep muscles the face is regulated by the central nervous system. The brain receives signals about current processes and communicates them to the facial muscle groups. That is, they translate the received information into abbreviations that display certain facial movements on the human face.

Any muscle movement is always a detailed reflection of transmitted nerve impulses.

Muscle contractions can be impaired due to traumatic and infectious diseases. Disorders are congenital or acquired (in this case permanent or temporary) in nature. One of the most significant pathologies is partial paralysis. It provokes an inability to correct muscle contraction, which is why a person experiences difficulty closing his eyes and jaw.

Platysma: what is it, where is it located?

Platysma is the thinnest superficial layer of the cervical muscles, responsible for its aesthetics and overall appearance. Located in deep layers skin, it grows tightly with it.

Although the platysmal tissue is not involved in motor activities carried out by the neck and head, it is involved during tense physical exercise. This determines its role in facial expression.

Platysma has a number of significant differences from other facial muscle groups. It is more susceptible to modifications and quickly loses its plasticity. Therefore, it requires carefully selected care that would meet modern cosmetological requirements.

How muscles are connected to massage lines

The facial muscles are an improvised frame that keeps the skin toned, maintaining its firmness and elasticity. Massage is a cosmetic manipulation that has a positive effect on them. Having a tightening effect, it allows you to transform your facial skin, making it fresher and more rested, get rid of redness and rashes, and create a clearly defined contour.

The procedure is performed strictly in accordance with the massage lines. These are the directions of movements that a cosmetologist must adhere to.

Massage lines are aligned in accordance with the flow of lymph, and under certain influences they can speed it up. This has a beneficial effect on the general condition of the skin, rids the body of waste and toxins, and relieves swelling.

Read on the site about the most popular and effective facial massage techniques in this.

In the human body there are over 100 facial muscles located on the head and neck. You can study each of them in more detail, based on the photographs, pictures, and descriptions posted below.

From an anatomical point of view, all facial muscles can be divided into 6 subgroups:

• Mimic;
• Cervical musculature;
• Chewable;
• Language;
• Oral cavity;
• Oculomotor.

Some may be classified into several subgroups at the same time.

This includes those responsible for regulating chewing movements. Namely:

The muscles listed provide minimal impact on general form faces.

The chewing muscle group is responsible for the movement of the lower jaw during speech activity and grinding food. She is always in hypertonicity and does not need to perform specific exercises. Prone to spasms due to excessive clenching of teeth, it can negatively affect blood flow, activating photoaging processes in the designated area.

This can be said about the pterygoid muscles, whose main purpose is to grind solid food. Their care is selected according to the indications of a particular person. This is the only way to achieve positive dynamics: tighten the oval of the face, prevent the development of deep wrinkles, etc.

The functions of facial muscles are limited to displaying emotions. Due to the extensibility of the epidermis, the construction of folds that appear in the vertical direction, emotional manifestations are formed in relation to muscular contraction. Hence the rule - than more emotional person, the greater the likelihood of the formation of facial wrinkles in the face or neck area.

Facial muscles are divided into three categories:

• Upper facial;
• Median;
• Lower facial and cervical.

The former, when stretched, provoke the formation of vertical forehead wrinkles, diagonal folds in the bridge of the nose, as well as “crow’s feet” under the lower eyelids. The latter provide a feeling of “sunken cheeks”, outline nasolabial folds, and make wrinkles under the eyes and in the corners of the lips more noticeable. The facial muscles of the third group contribute to the protrusion of the lower lip forward and the lowering of the corners of the mouth.

All identified defects and problems can be easily removed by high-quality training of the entire muscle zone.

Neck band

By analogy with the facial muscles of the face and neck, the cervical muscles are also divided into three categories:

1. Superficial cervical muscle group;
2. Deep cervical muscles (this includes the posterior scalene, anterior and median).

If we talk about the differences, the cervical muscles, in comparison with the facial and chewing muscles, have five fascia (connective membranes covering them from the outside):

1. Superficial;
2. Own cervical;
3. Scapuloclavicular;
4. Inner cervical;
5. Prevertebral.

Cervical spasms provoke the formation of skin laxity in a designated area of ​​the body, lead to the development of wrinkles and folds, and trigger photoaging processes. In some cases, a double chin occurs, as well as transverse creases.

Topology of facial muscles and their functions

Facial anatomy is a well-researched branch of medicine. And therefore muscle functions does not require additional study - they have already been thoroughly analyzed and strictly defined for a long time. In some cases, muscle groups have a “telling” name, and therefore it is not difficult to guess about their functions.

Muscle of the cranial vault(also known as the “helmet tendon”) is responsible for raising the brow arches and gathers the skin on the forehead into transverse folds.

Occipital frontalis pyramidal muscle raises the eyebrows, leading to the formation of transverse folds and creases. It is paired - one above both eyebrows, which is why they move independently of each other. This activity affects the opening of the eyes, which gives the face different expressions.

Temporalis muscles coordinate jaw movements.

Fibers proud muscles are placed between the eyebrows and extend all the way to the forehead. Shifting the eyebrows, wrinkling the nose are the actions for which they are responsible. The structural features of the facial muscles cause the appearance of wrinkles between the eyebrows when they are tense.

Corrugator muscles set them in motion. They draw the inner brow line toward the midline in two directions: inward and upward, bringing the edges closer together. Hypertonicity provokes the formation of vertical creases between the eyebrows.

Responsible for closing the gaps between the eyes.

By contracting, it provokes motor activity of the wings of the nose. Its contraction causes expansion and contraction of the nasal passages.

Lacrimal muscles raise the upper lip, move the wings of the nose.

Infraorbital muscle- also responsible for raising the upper lip.

Located in the lower area of ​​the face, it will move the corners of the mouth in different directions. It is she who is responsible for the smile and can provoke the formation of nasolabial folds.

It tightens and stretches the lips, allowing them to be compressed.

Modiulos(in Latin) - knot of the corner of the mouth. It is he who gives the aesthetics to the lower facial third.

Needed to stretch the corners of the mouth. A number of people develop dimples on their cheeks during its contraction. In addition to facial functions, it is of particular importance in the overall aesthetics of the face and its modeling. Proper development of the laughter muscle allows you to make adjustments to the oval of the face and slightly raise the corners.

They are located immediately above the laughing ones. They model the cheeks, spreading the mouth opening to the sides. When the mouth expands, the muscle becomes hypertonic. Interesting fact about muscles: between the cheek muscle and the epidermis there is a layer of fat; in men it is narrower than in women. It is observed in the greatest extent in children.

Triangular muscle (descensor oris)- she is responsible for lowering the corners of the mouth. Direction helps in expressing feelings of sadness. In a state of hypertonicity, the face takes on a negative expression.

Descending muscles they pull their lips down, giving their face an expression of disgust.

It is presented in two parts, which are located under the quadratus muscle of the lower lip. During contraction, a dimple may form on the chin.

Neck muscles are especially important when turning and tilting the head. Muscular thinning provokes the formation of a double chin, as well as a decrease in the plasticity and elasticity of the skin, and the acquisition of a gray complexion.

In addition to the muscle groups described, those that belong to internal organs(uvula, palate, middle ear, etc.).
How do emotional manifestations and muscles relate?

All muscles included in the facial group are responsible for displaying a certain emotion:

• Frontal - raises the eyebrow arches, forms horizontal frontal wrinkles, thus expressing delight and amazement on the face.
• The orbicularis muscle allows you to close your eyes when very frightened, as well as roll them up or down. With its help, a person shows embarrassment and misunderstanding.
• The zygomatic major and minor muscles help produce a smile by lifting the corners of the mouth.
• The muscles responsible for lowering the corners of the mouth are active during negative emotions.
• The laughter muscles allow the corners of the lips to stretch horizontally, forming “pits” at the moment of smiling.
• The greatest activity of the orbicularis muscle is observed when blowing kisses.
• Disappointment, anger, confusion - these are the emotions that are displayed with the help of the mentalis muscle (it slightly raises the lower jaw, pushing it forward).
• Fear, disgust and other negative feelings are impossible without the superficial neck muscle, which works by straining.

More than a thousand different combinations of muscle contractions have been studied and recorded, reflecting one or another feeling on the human face.

Photoaging: age-related muscle modifications

Over time, the muscle structure loses its elasticity and plasticity and changes in size and lengthens. The characteristics of the modifications depend on the nature of muscle manifestations in different situations. For example, under stress, during rest or work, in dialogues with people, etc. Factors such as lifestyle, proper care, and heredity become important.

In those areas where the muscles are not firmly attached to the skin surface, fatty hernias form over the years. They arise due to the pulling of ligaments under the influence of excessive loads. Where the ligaments remain able to hold the facial muscles, wrinkles, creases and folds appear.

Most people are convinced that age-related changes in tissues occur due to their hypertonicity or excessive relaxation, but the point is different - incessant muscle activity, causing spasms. With frequent contraction, the muscles fall into folds, changing the texture of the skin and its structure.

For example, spasms in the area of ​​the frontal muscle tissue provoke the development of horizontal and vertical folds in the specified facial area, increasing the tone of the orbicularis muscles. Gradually, all this leads to the appearance of “crow’s feet” and nasolabial furrows.

Facial muscles are susceptible to age-related deformities. A change in their condition leads to sagging of the skin, the formation of folds, and the appearance of pastiness. To prevent changes in the shape of the facial muscles, you need to regularly carry out procedures to restore their tone and relax. Performing specialized exercises and massage is an ideal option for preserving youth. Knowledge of the structure of facial muscles will help to carry out these procedures efficiently.

Regular work of the facial muscles normalizes blood supply to tissues, which promotes rapid metabolism and intensive nutrition of the skin with beneficial microelements and vitamins.

Facial changes with age

The more often all the facial muscles are used, the higher their tone, and vice versa. However, hypotonicity is just as bad as hypertonicity. Therefore, the task of any procedures affecting muscles is to bring them to a normal, natural state.

Correct handling of the facial and neck muscles leads to the following positive effects:

• Relaxation;
• Improved skin color;
• Normalization of blood circulation;
• Relaxation of tense muscles;
• General skin tightening;
• Reduction of wrinkles;
• Removing a tired look;
• Cleansing the epidermis;
• Formation of the correct oval face.

Anatomy of the muscles of the face and neck

Most anti-aging practices involve working muscles. Therefore, when performing rejuvenating practices, it is important to know their location.

The anatomy of the human face has a complex structure, the muscles are intertwined, connected to each other, and can be located one under the other, creating the face as it is. There are about 57 muscles on the face that are responsible for the expression of certain emotions and jaw movement. The neck also consists of many interconnected muscles. Conventionally, the facial muscles can be divided into:

• facial expressions;
• ophthalmic;
• mouth and jaw (chewing);
• cervical

Facial muscles at one end are adjacent to bone tissue, and the second is attached to another muscle or skin. This feature determines their mobility. Excessive activity of facial muscles leads to the formation of skin creases called wrinkles. Other types of facial muscles are located on bones and are attached to them through tendons.

The fat layer on the face is small, so the visibility of age-related changes depends directly on the condition of the muscles in this area.

Consider a diagram of the main muscles of the human face and neck.

Atlas of human facial muscles

Functions of the muscles of the face and head

The anatomy of the facial muscles has been thoroughly studied, and their functions are precisely defined; in some cases, the name of the muscles speaks for itself:

• Calvarial muscle(tendon helmet) moves the tendons and scalp, raises the eyebrows, and gathers the skin of the forehead into transverse folds.
• Occipitofrontal pyramidal, is responsible for raising the eyebrows, forming horizontal wrinkles on the forehead. There is one such muscle above each eyebrow, so the eyebrows can move separately from each other. Their movement is combined with the opening palpebral fissure, giving the face a certain expression.
• Temporal region muscle moves the jaw in different directions.
• Fibers proud muscles located between the eyebrows and stretch to the frontal area. It helps to wrinkle your nose and move your eyebrows. Its tension leads to the formation horizontal wrinkles between the eyebrows.
• Corrugator muscles set them in motion. They pull the inner edge of the eyebrows towards the midline, upward and inward, bringing the edges closer together. Their hypertonicity leads to the appearance of vertical wrinkles between the eyebrows. The eyebrows, under the influence of these muscles, can bend at an angle, creating small folds in the skin, perpendicular to its course. Its other function is to raise the upper eyelid.
• Orbicularis oculi muscle responsible for the narrowing and closure of the palpebral fissure.
• Nasal when contracted, it allows the wings of the nose to move. Its contraction expands and contracts.
• Lacrimal muscle, raising the upper lip and wing of the nose.
• Infraorbital muscle, which raises the upper lip, is extremely important for the appearance of the area under the eyes and the eyes themselves.
• Zygomatic minor, shifts the corners of the mouth to the side and up.
• Greater zygomatic moves the corners of the mouth to the side and up, helps to smile and participates in the appearance of the nasolabial fold.
• Circular mouth is able to tighten the lips, pulling them forward, and compress them.
• Modiolus ensures the interaction of muscles around the mouth, gives the shape of the lower third of the face.
• Laughter muscle Designed to stretch the corners of the mouth. For some, when it contracts, a dimple forms on the cheek. In addition to facial functions, it plays an important role in facial modeling. Proper work with it allows you to correct the oval, raise the corners of the lips.
• Buccal muscle located under the laughter muscle. It supports the cheeks and stretches the mouth opening to the sides. The mouth becomes wider if the muscle is in hypertonicity. Between it and the skin is fat layer. In women, the layer is larger than in men, and in children it is especially developed. With age, the cheek fat pad decreases, creating sunken cheeks.
• Triangular muscle, lowering the corners of the mouth. Its directed movement helps to express sadness, and with hypertonicity the face takes on a gloomy expression.
• Muscle that lowers the lower lip directs it down, gives his face an expression of disgust.
• Submental consists of two parts located under the quadratus muscle of the lower lip. Forms a dimple on the chin if there is distance between this pair. Pulls the lower lip upward, making the expression of the lips arrogant.

Play an important role neck muscles. In addition to the function of movement and head tilt, they influence a person’s appearance. Their sagging or hypertonicity leads to the appearance of a double chin, decreased elasticity and gray skin color, which are expressed by bags under the eyes and general swelling (pasty).

Facial muscles on video

You can see how facial muscles work in 3D format in the video:

You can learn in detail about the anatomy of the facial structure and the physiology of its aging. The author talks in detail about the causes of age-related changes, gives recommendations and a set of exercises to restore youth. Download the book by N.B. Osminina “Anatomy of facial aging or myths in cosmetology” can be found at

Together with bones, muscles are the support of the body. They are present everywhere in our body, even on the head. What muscles are there? What is the main function of the face? Let's find out about this further.

Human muscles

Depending on the method of definition, there are from 640 to 850 muscles in the human body. With their help, we carry out most actions: we speak, breathe, walk, blink, etc. Muscles form the body and are attached to bones on both sides.

They consist of elastic tissue that can stretch and contract. Their movement ensures communication with nerve endings and is carried out using nerve impulses. Muscle work accompanies all physiological processes in the body.

In the body they make up three large groups: skeletal, smooth and cardiac muscle. A person only controls and can arbitrarily reduce them. The remaining two groups are controlled by the vegetative, have a certain rhythm and do not depend on our consciousness.

The main feature of muscles is the ability to fatigue. This happens due to prolonged and heavy workload. However, if you do not use the muscles and do not train them, they, on the contrary, become decrepit, weaken and perform their functions poorly.

Types of facial muscles

There are 57 muscles on the face. They are divided into chewing and mimic. The chewers are attached to the lower jaw and are responsible not only for chewing, but also for swallowing and speaking. The group includes four muscles:

• chewable,
• temporal,
• lateral,
• medial pterygoid.

Human facial muscles are somewhat different from others. They are thin and located in tufts near the eyes, nose, mouth and ears. They are attached to the skull bone on only one side. The other side connects to the skin tissue. This allows you to give greater mobility to areas of the face. Some of them do not come from the bone, but from the ligaments.

Most facial muscles are paired, with the exception of the supracranial, nasal and orbicularis oris muscles. They are located at different levels and, depending on this, are divided into deep, superficial and medium. The deep ones, for example, include the chin, buccal, the middle - the quadratus lower lip and canine muscles, the superficial muscles include the orbicularis oris, zygomaticus, quadratus, etc.

What is the function of facial muscles?

Facial muscles play an important role in human social life. Their contractions form certain expressions of the depth of the skin folds. Thus, others can distinguish and understand our emotions when communicating. With their help we express sadness, joy, hatred, smile and laugh.

The main function of facial muscles is associated with the opening, narrowing and closing of natural openings on the face. Depending on these actions, they are divided into compressor and dilator muscles. The first are placed above the body parts in a circle, the second extend radially from them.

Some muscles and their functions are presented in the table.

Facial muscle diseases

Disturbances in muscle function are manifested in the loss of their tone and ability to contract. Pathologies arise for various reasons, for example due to injury, infection, disruption of humoral regulation and work nervous system, cellular changes.

Muscle function can be affected by a sprain, rupture, as well as various diseases that are sometimes not directly related to their activity: heart attack, stroke, paralysis of facial muscles. The pathological condition can be congenital, due to genetic abnormalities or mechanical damage during gestation.

It happens that the function of facial muscles is temporarily impaired. Thus, a nervous tic may have a temporary form. It can happen even in healthy body. After a strong emotional stress or severe overstrain, individual muscles begin to contract quickly and spontaneously. Every person experiences a nervous tic at least once in their life.

Muscle paralysis

One of the most unpleasant diseases is paralysis of facial muscles, which is associated with damage to the facial nerve. It is caused by trauma, tumors, and inflammation. Paralysis also occurs due to congenital pathologies or nerve damage during surgery.

During this disease, the face becomes asymmetrical and skews towards the healthy side (in the case of unilateral paralysis). The function of the facial muscles is disrupted, they lose tone and the ability to completely close their jaws and eyes.

The disease is accompanied by pain in the ear, face, and back of the head. There is increased sensitivity to sounds and tearing. The eye on the injured side rises higher than the healthy one and is more open.

Gymnastics of facial muscles

Facial muscles can be shaped and trained, just like any other. Daily gymnastics can improve blood circulation in them, increase their tone and elasticity. It is used to prevent wrinkles, skin aging, and helps restore muscles in pathologies.

There are for the face, aimed at different areas of the face. One of them is called "Surprise". It consists of opening your eyes wide and looking at one point, while you should not wrinkle or strain your forehead.

The cheeks and orbicularis oris muscles are trained in a wide smile with the mouth closed. The lips are stretched as wide as possible, then relaxed. Repeat the exercise about 25 times. The cheeks are also a great exercise if you puff them up by taking air into your mouth.

The facial muscles are mostly paired, according to their location, they are divided into the muscles of the cranial vault, the muscles of the auricle, the muscles surrounding the palpebral fissure, the muscles surrounding the nasal openings (nostrils), the muscles surrounding the oral fissure (Fig. 227, 228, Table 37) . All facial muscles are innervated by branches of the facial nerve - nerve II of the visceral arch.

Muscles of the cranial vault. The epicranial (occipitofrontalis) muscle (m. epicranius, s. t. occipitofrontalis) has an occipital belly located in the occipital region and a frontal belly in the forehead area, connected by a wide tendon (tendon helmet, epicranial aponeurosis), which occupies most of the arch skulls The flat occipital abdomen (venter occipitalis), located on the surface of the occipital bone scales, is divided into right and left parts by a thin fibrous plate. The abdomen begins with tendon bundles at the highest nuchal line and at back surface base of the mastoid process of the temporal bone. The muscle bundles follow from bottom to top and pass into the tendon helmet. The flat frontal abdomen (venter frontalis), also divided in the middle by a narrow fibrous plate into two quadrangular parts, is located in the frontal region. The muscle bundles of the frontal abdomen begin on the tendon helmet at the level of the border of the scalp (anterior to the coronal suture), follow down and are woven into the skin of the eyebrows.

Tendon helmet, or supracranial aponeurosis (galea aponeurotica, s. aponeurosis epicranialis) It is a flat fibrous plate firmly fused with the skin of the scalp through connective tissue bundles. The tendon helmet is thicker in the occipital region, thinner in the frontal and temporal regions. In the temporal region, the tendon helmet on the right and left is fused with the fascia of the temporal muscle. Under the tendon helmet, between it and the periosteum of the bones of the cranial vault, lies a layer of loose fibrous connective tissue. As a result, when the occipitofrontal muscle contracts, the tendon helmet, together with the skin of the scalp, easily moves over the cranial vault (and is scalped during injuries).

Function: the frontal abdomen, contracting, raises the eyebrow upward. In this case, transverse folds of skin on the forehead are formed. As a result, the face is given an expression of attention and surprise. When the occipital abdomen contracts, it pulls the tendon helmet and the skin of the scalp posteriorly, and the transverse folds of the skin on the forehead are smoothed out. Thus, the frontal and occipital bellies are antagonists in function.

Blood supply: occipital, posterior auricular, superficial temporal, supraorbital arteries.

The procerus muscle (m. procerus - Santorini muscle), or the muscle that lowers the glabella (syn.: pyramidal muscle of the nose), a paired narrow elongated one, located in the region of the root of the nose, begins on the outer surface of the nasal bone and goes upward (Santorini Giovanni ( Santorini Giovanni Domenico, 1681-1737) - Italian anatomist). Some of the bundles of this muscle are intertwined with the muscle bundles of the frontal belly of the occipitofrontal muscle and are woven into the skin of the forehead between the eyebrows.

Function: when the procerus muscle contracts, it forms transverse wrinkles above the bridge of the nose. The proud muscle is an antagonist of the frontal belly of the occipitofrontal muscle and helps straighten the transverse folds on the forehead.

Blood supply: angular, supratrochlear branch of the frontal artery.

The muscle that wrinkles the eyebrow (m. corrugator supercilii - Koiter's muscle), a thin pair, lying in the thickness of the eyebrow, begins on the medial part of the superciliary arch, follows upward and laterally and is woven into the skin of the eyebrow. Some of the bundles of this muscle are intertwined with the bundles of the orbicularis oculi muscle (Coiter (Koyter) Volcherus, 1534-1600 - Dutch physician and anatomist).

Function: the corrugator muscle brings the eyebrows together, resulting in the formation of vertical folds above the bridge of the nose.

Rice. 227. Facial muscles, front view:

1 - Depressor labii inferioris; 2 — Platysma; 3 - Depressor anguli oris; 4 - Risorius; 5 - Levator anguli oris; 6 - Zygomaticus major; 7—Zygomaticus minor; 8 - Levator labii superioris; 9 - Nasalis; 10 - Levator labii superioris alaeque nasi; 11 - Procerus; 12 - Epicrania! aponeurosis; 13 - Occipitofrontalis, frontal bclly; 14 - Corrugator supercilii; 15 - Orbicularis oculi; !6 - Buccinator; 17— Masseter; 18— Orbicularis oris; 1 9— Mentalis

Rice. 228. Muscles of the head, pitchfork on the right. The section shows parts of the masticatory muscle:

1 - Inferior constrictor; 2 — Common carotid artery; 3 - Hypoglossal nerve; 4 - Vagus nerve; 5 - Interna l jugular vein; 6 - Digastric, posterior belly; 7— Masseter, deep part; 8 - Sternocleidomastoid; 9 - Superficial temporal artery; 10 - Styloid process; 11 - Ramus of mandible; 12 - Epicranius; Occipitofrontalis, occipital belly; 13 — Cartilage of acoustic meatus; 14 - Temporomandibular joint; Joint capsule; Artiecular capsule; Lateral ligament; 15 - Epicranial aponeurosis; 16 - Zygomatic arch; 1 7— temporalis; Temporal musclc; 18 - Pericranium; 19 - Epicranius; Occipitofrontalis, frontal belly; 20 - Corrugator supercilii; 21 - Depressor supercilii; 22 - Orbicularis oculi; 23 - Levator labii superioris alaeque nasi; 24 - Levator labii superioris: 25 - Nasalis; 26 - Infra-orbital nerve; 27—Levator anguli oris; 28- Orbicularis oris; 29 - Parotid duct; thirty — Mentalis; 31—Depressor labii inferioris; 32- Depressor anguli oris; 33 — Buccinator; 34— Digastric, anterior belly; 35— Masseter, superficial part; 36 - Hyoid bone; 37 - Stylohyoid

Table 37. Facial muscles (facial muscles) innervated by branches of the facial nerve

Blood supply: frontal, supraorbital, superficial temporal arteries.

Muscles of the auricle. The muscles of the human auricle are poorly developed and practically do not contract voluntarily. It is extremely rare to find people who are able to move the pinna (while simultaneously contracting the occipitofrontal muscle). There are three ear muscles: superior, anterior and posterior.

The superior auricular muscle (i.e. auricularis superior) is the largest of the muscles of the auricle, located on the lateral surface of the skull above the auricle. It begins with several muscle bundles on the lateral side of the tendon helmet, goes down and attaches to the inner surface of the cartilage of the auricle.

Function: the temporoparietal muscle pulls the auricle upward.

The anterior ear muscle (i.e. auricularis anterior) is unstable and is a thin muscle bundle located in the temporal region. It begins on the temporal fascia, goes posteriorly and inferiorly and is attached to the cartilage of the auricle and to the cartilage of the external auditory canal.

Function: the anterior auricular muscle pulls the pinna forward.

The posterior ear muscle (m. auricularis posterior) is located in the mastoid region, begins in two bundles on the mastoid process, goes forward and is attached to the posterior convex surface of the infundibulum of the auricle.

Function: the posterior auricular muscle pulls the auricle posteriorly.

Blood supply to all ear muscles: superficial temporal (anterior and upper muscles), posterior ear ( posterior muscle) arteries.

Muscles surrounding the palpebral fissure. The circular muscle of the eye (m. orbicularis oculi), which has the shape of a flat, wide ring, is located around the palpebral fissure and the orbit. The muscle has three parts: orbital, secular and lacrimal.

The orbital part (pars orbitalis) is a wide plate that surrounds the entrance to the orbit, located on its bony edge. The orbital part begins on the nasal part of the frontal bone, on the frontal process of the maxilla and on the medial ligament of the eyelid. The bundles of this muscle go up, down and laterally around the orbit. At the lateral edge of the orbit, the superior and inferior bundles pass into each other, forming a flat, closed muscle ring. From above, the muscle fibers of the frontal belly of the occipitofrontal muscle and the corrugator muscle are woven into the deep bundles of the orbital part. The orbital part closes the eyes, forms fan-shaped wrinkles on the skin of the orbital area, more at the lateral corner of the eye, moves the eyebrow down, and at the same time pulls the skin of the cheek up.

The eyelid part (pars palpebralis) is a thin flat plate that lies under the skin of the upper and lower eyelids. The eyelid part begins on the medial ligament of the eyelids and adjacent areas of the medial part of the orbit. The muscle fibers run along the anterior surface of the cartilage of the upper and lower eyelids to the lateral corner of the eye (Riolan muscle), where they end in the lateral suture of the eyelid, which has the structure of a tendon strip. Part muscle fibers attaches to the periosteum of the lateral wall of the orbit. A thin bundle of muscle fibers located along the edge of the eyelids, around the ducts of the glands of the cartilage of the eyelids, is called the Moll muscle (syn.: Riolan muscle, muscle of the eyelashes) (Riolan Jean (1577-1657) - French physician and anatomist; Moll Jacob ( Moli Jacob Antonius, 1832-1914) - Dutch ophthalmologist and anatomist).

The lacrimal part (pars lacrimalis) - Horner's, Duverney's muscle - is a deeply located thin muscle bundles that begin on the posterior crest of the lacrimal bone and are directed laterally behind the lacrimal sac. Having circled the lacrimal sac from behind, the fibers of this part of the muscle are woven into the secular part and into the walls of the lacrimal sac. The lacrimal part expands the lacrimal sac, facilitating the outflow of lacrimal fluid into the nasal cavity through the nasolacrimal duct (Horner William Edmonds, 1793-1853) - American anatomist, surgeon, pathologist; Joseph Duverney (Duverney Joseph Guichard, 1648-1730) - French anatomist and otolaryngologist).

Function: the orbicularis oculi muscle as a whole is a constrictor of the palpebral fissure.

Blood supply: facial, superficial temporal, infraorbital, supraorbital arteries.

Muscles surrounding the nasal openings. The nasal muscle (m. nasalis) is a poorly developed plate that consists of two parts: transverse and alar, and also includes the muscle that lowers the nasal septum. The transverse part (pars transversa), or the muscle that compresses the nostrils (m. depressor nasium), located in the area of ​​the wing and the cartilaginous part of the dorsum of the nose, begins on the anterior surface of the upper jaw, lateral and slightly above the upper incisors. The muscle bundles are directed upward and medially, passing into a thin aponeurosis, which spreads across the cartilaginous part of the dorsum of the nose and continues into the muscle of the same name on the opposite side.

Function: the transverse part of the right and left nasal muscles narrows the openings of the nostrils, pressing them against the nasal septum.

The alar part (pars alaris), or the muscle that lifts the alae nasi (m. levator alae nasi), is partly covered by the orbicularis oris muscle and the muscle that lifts the upper lip. The alar part begins on the upper jaw, slightly lower and medial to the transverse part, then the muscle follows upward and medially and is woven into the skin of the wing of the nose.

Function: the alar part of the nasal muscle pulls the wing of the nose down and laterally, widening the nostril.

A variant of the alar part of the nasal muscle is Arnold's muscle (syn.: own levator alae, m. levator alae proprius), it starts from the upper edge of the cartilage of the wings of the nose and goes to its tip (Arnold Friedrich (1803-1890) - German anatomist ).

Blood supply: superior labial, angular arteries.

Depressor septum muscle

(m. depressor septi nasi), is usually part of the alar part of the nasal muscle. Its bundles begin on the upper jaw above the medial incisor, are directed upward, and are attached to the cartilaginous part of the nasal septum.

Function: the muscle lowers the nasal septum.

Blood supply: superior labial artery.

Muscles surrounding the oral cavity. There are several muscles around the oral fissure: the orbicularis oris muscle, which is a compressor, and several muscles that have a radial direction and are dilators of the oral fissure.

The circular muscle of the mouth (m. orbicularis oris), located in the thickness of the lips, is formed by circularly oriented muscle bundles, as well as fibers approaching the oral opening from neighboring facial muscles: buccal, levator upper lip, levator corners of the mouth, lowering the lower lip, lowering the angles mouth, etc. Some of the muscle bundles of the orbicularis oris muscle pass from one lip to the other. In accordance with the location of the muscle bundles, the orbicularis oris muscle has two parts: marginal and labial.

The marginal part (pars marginalis) is located in the peripheral parts of the muscle. It is formed by circularly oriented muscle bundles and fascicles that originate from the nearby facial muscles (cheek and others - see above) that approach the lips, especially those located near the corners of the mouth. In this regard, in the marginal part there are muscle bundles running radially and in the anteroposterior direction in relation to the oral fissure.

The labial part (pars labialis) lies in the thickness of the lips, its muscle bundles pass from one corner of the mouth to the other, woven into the skin and mucous membrane of the upper and lower lips. The muscle bundles of the labial part are oriented predominantly circularly around the oral fissure. Part of the fibers of the orbicularis oris muscle, running in the sagittal direction into the skin of the lips, is called the Klein muscle (syn.: Krause muscle, labial compressor, m. compressor labii) (Klein Edward Emanuel, 1844-1925) - Austrian doctor and anatomist ; Krause Karl (Krause Karl Friedrich Theodor, 1797-1868) - German physician and anatomist).

Function: the orbicularis oris muscle closes the oral opening and is involved in the acts of sucking and chewing.

Blood supply: superior and inferior labial, mental arteries.

Muscle bundles of radially located facial muscles are woven into the skin and mucous membrane of the upper and lower lips.

The muscle that lowers the angle of the mouth (m. depressor anguli oris) is a triangular plate that begins with a wide base on the lower edge of the anterior third of the body of the lower jaw. The muscle bundles, tapering upward, are woven into the skin at the corner of the mouth and into the orbicularis oris muscle.

Function: the muscle pulls the corner of the mouth downward and laterally.

Blood supply: inferior labial and mental arteries.

Depressor labii muscle (m. depressor labii inferioris),- a wide thin quadrangular plate that begins on the lower edge of the anterior part of the lower jaw, below the mental foramen. The muscle bundles follow upward and medially and are attached to the skin and mucous membrane of the lower lip, and are also woven into the orbicularis oris muscle. The lateral part of the depressor labii inferioris muscle is covered by bundles of the depressor anguli oris muscle.

Function: the muscle lowers the lower lip and pulls it somewhat laterally. With bilateral contraction, it inverts the lip and gives the face an expression of irony, sadness, and disgust.

The mentalis muscle (m. mentalis) is short, cone-shaped, located in the chin region, begins on the alveolar elevations of the lower incisors, follows down and medially. The muscle fibers of both sides are connected to each other and woven into the skin of the chin.

Function: the mentalis muscle lifts the skin of the chin upward, so that a dimple appears on it. Promotes protrusion of the lower lip forward.

Blood supply: inferior labial, mental arteries.

The muscle that lifts the angle of the mouth (m. levator anguli oris) is a triangular plate that begins on the anterior surface of the upper jaw, in the area of ​​the canine fossa. The muscle bundles are directed from top to bottom and forward, attached to the skin of the corner of the mouth and woven into the orbicularis oris muscle.

Function: the muscle lifts the corner of the mouth upward and laterally.

Blood supply: infraorbital artery.

Levator labii muscle (m. levator labii superioris), ribbon-shaped, begins on the infraorbital margin of the upper jaw. The muscle bundles descend downwards and medially, intertwining with the levator anguli oris muscle into the muscle of the upper lip and into the skin of the wing of the nose.

Function: the muscle raises the upper lip, participates in the formation of the nasolabial groove located between the lateral side of the nose and the upper lip, and pulls the wing of the nose upward.

Blood supply: infraorbital, superior labial arteries.

On the anterior surface of the upper jaw, under the muscle that lifts the upper lip, the Albinus muscle may be located - an abnormal muscle of the upper jaw, which is a flat muscle ribbon or a fusiform bundle (Albinus Bernhard Siegfried, 1697-1770 - German anatomist and physician).

Zygomaticus minor (m. zygomaticus minor) - Santorini muscle - ribbon-shaped, located in the zygomatic and buccal areas. The muscle begins on the zygomatic bone at the lateral edge of the levator labii superioris muscle. Its bundles are directed from top to bottom and medially, woven into the skin of the corner of the mouth and into the muscle of the upper lip (Santorini Giovanni Domenico, 1681-1737 - Italian anatomist).

Function: the zygomatic minor muscle raises the corner of the mouth.

Blood supply: infraorbital, buccal arteries.

The zygomaticus major muscle (m. zygomaticus major) is ribbon-shaped, located in the zygomatic and buccal areas somewhat lateral to the zygomaticus minor muscle. The muscle begins on the cheekbone, goes from top to bottom and forward and is woven into the skin of the corner of the mouth and into the muscle of the upper lip.

Function: the zygomaticus major muscle pulls the corner of the mouth upward and laterally, and is the main muscle of laughter.

Blood supply: infraorbital and buccal arteries.

The buccal muscle (m. buccinator) is a flat, wide, thin, quadrangular plate that lies in the thickness of the cheek between the upper and lower jaws and forms the muscular basis of the cheek. WITH inside covered with mucous membrane, together with which it limits the vestibule of the mouth. The muscle begins on an oblique line on the ramus of the lower jaw, on the outer surface of the alveolar arch of the upper jaw above the large molars, on the anterior edge of the pterygomandibular suture connecting the lower jaw with the pterygoid hook of the cli

new bone. The muscle bundles are directed forward and medially to the corner of the mouth, partially intersect and continue into the orbicularis oris muscle. The posterior and lateral parts of the buccal muscle are covered by the masticatory muscle. At the level of the upper molar, the duct of the parotid salivary gland passes through the muscle.

Function: the buccal muscle tenses the cheek (“pipe muscle”), pulls the corner of the mouth backward, and presses the cheek against the teeth.

Blood supply: buccal artery.

The laughter muscle (m. risorius - Santorini muscle) is a thin triangular unstable plate located in the anterior sections of the buccal region, beginning on the masticatory fascia. The bundles of this muscle converge anteriorly and attach to the skin of the corner of the mouth and are woven into the orbicularis oris muscle.

Function: the laughter muscle pulls the corner of the mouth to the lateral side, forming a dimple on the cheek.

Blood supply: facial artery, transverse facial artery.