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AnatomyHead and neckFace and scalpZygomaticus major muscle
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AnatomyHead and neckFace and scalpZygomaticus major muscle

Zygomaticus major muscle

Author: Gordana Sendić, MD • Reviewer: Roberto Grujičić, MD
Last reviewed: October 30, 2023
Reading time: 4 minutes

Recommended video: Muscles of facial expression [12:24]
Overview of the muscles responsible for facial expression.
Zygomaticus major muscle (Musculus zygomaticus major)

Zygomaticus major is a thin paired facial muscle that extends diagonally from the zygomatic bone (hence the name) to the angle of the mouth. It belongs to the buccolabial group of facial muscles along with levator labii superioris alaeque nasi, levator labii superioris, zygomaticus major, zygomaticus minor, levator anguli oris, risorius, depressor labii inferioris, depressor anguli oris, mentalis, orbicularis oris, incisivus superior and inferior and buccinator muscles. These muscles form the structure and carry out the functions of the cheeks and lips.

The main action of zygomaticus major is to pull the angle of the mouth superolaterally. In coordination with other buccolabial muscles, it facilitates speech and creates facial expressions. Along with risorius, zygomaticus major contributes to laughing, which is why they are deemed the “laughing muscles”.

Key facts about the zygomaticus major muscle
Origin (Posterior part of) Lateral aspect of zygomatic bone
Insertion Modiolus, blends with muscles of upper lip
Function Elevates and everts angle of mouth
Innervation Buccal and zgyomatic branches of facial nerve (CN VII)
Blood supply Superior labial artery (facial artery)

This article will teach you all you need to know about the anatomy and functions of the zygomaticus major muscle.

Contents
  1. Origin and insertion
  2. Relations
  3. Innervation
  4. Blood supply
  5. Function
  6. Sources
+ Show all

Origin and insertion

Zygomatic bone
Os zygomaticum
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Synonyms: Zygoma, Malar bone

The zygomaticus major muscle originates from the lateral surface of the zygomatic bone, just anterior to the zygomaticotemporal suture and lateral to the origin of zygomaticus minor. It courses inferomedially over the lateral surface of the maxilla to insert to the angle of the mouth. This attachment point is located lateral to zygomaticus minor and medial to risorius muscles.

Here, zygomaticus major interlaces with other muscles that converge towards the angle of the mouth, forming a dense, mobile, fibromuscular mass called the modiolus. It is not entirely clear which muscles exactly attach to the modiolus, but some of the certain ones include depressor anguli oris, buccinator, risorius, zygomaticus major and orbicularis oris muscles.

Relations

Zygomaticus major courses diagonally over the anterior surfaces of the buccinator and masseter muscles. The facial artery and its accompanying vein run between the buccinator and zygomaticus major muscles.

Innervation

Zygomaticus major is innervated by the zygomatic and buccal branches of facial nerve (CN VII).

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Blood supply

Zygomaticus major is mainly supplied by the superior labial artery that branches off the facial artery.

Zygomatic branches of facial nerve
Rami zygomatici nervi facialis
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Synonyms: none

Function

As zygomaticus major contracts, it pulls the angle of the mouth superolaterally. In synergy with risorius, zygomaticus major produces the expression of smiling. This function is followed by the deepening of the nasolabial groove. 

Due to its attachment on the modiolus, the actions of zygomaticus major are coordinated with those of other muscles of the buccolabial group. This integrates movements of the cheeks, lips and chin, enabling various facial expressions and speech. 

Sources

All content published on Kenhub is reviewed by medical and anatomy experts. The information we provide is grounded on academic literature and peer-reviewed research. Kenhub does not provide medical advice. You can learn more about our content creation and review standards by reading our content quality guidelines.

References:

  • Moore, K. L., Dalley, A. F., & Agur, A. M. R. (2014). Clinically Oriented Anatomy (7th ed.). Philadelphia, PA: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.
  • Palastanga, N., & Soames, R. (2012). Anatomy and human movement: structure and function (6th ed.). Edinburgh: Churchill Livingstone.
  • Watanabe, K., Loukas, M. (2016). Anatomy for Plastic Surgery of the Face, Head, and Neck. New York: Thieme Medical Publishers, Inc.
  • Standring, S. (2016). Gray's Anatomy (41st ed.). Edinburgh: Elsevier Churchill Livingstone.
  • Singh, V. (2014). Textbook of Anatomy (Regional and Clinical) Head, Neck, and Brain; Volume III. London: Elsevier Health Sciences APAC.

Illustrators:

  • Zygomaticus major muscle (Musculus zygomaticus major) - Yousun Koh

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