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AnatomyHead and neckFace and scalpZygomaticus minor muscle
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AnatomyHead and neckFace and scalpZygomaticus minor muscle

Zygomaticus minor muscle

Author: Jana Vasković, MD • Reviewer: Nicola McLaren, MSc
Last reviewed: November 03, 2023
Reading time: 4 minutes

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

Zygomaticus minor is a thin paired facial muscle extending horizontally over the cheeks. It belongs to a large group of muscles of facial expression called the buccolabial group. Besides zygomaticus minor, this group also contains levator labii superioris alaeque nasi, levator labii superioris, zygomaticus major, levator anguli oris, risorius, depressor labii inferioris, depressor anguli oris, mentalis, orbicularis oris, incisivus superior and inferior, and buccinator muscles.

All these muscles work together to control the shape, posture and movements of the lips. In the array of their respective actions, zygomaticus minor elevates the upper lip, thus exposing the maxillary teeth. The function of this movement is to facilitate speech, as well as to enable various facial expressions, such as smiling.

Key facts about the zygomaticus minor muscle
Origin (Anterior part of) Lateral aspect of zygomatic bone
Insertion Blends with muscles of upper lip (medial to zygomaticus major muscle)
Action Elevates upper lip, exposes maxillary teeth
Innervation Zygomatic and buccal branches of facial nerve (CN VII)
Blood supply Superior labial branch of the facial artery

This article will discuss the anatomy and function of zygomaticus minor muscle.

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

Origin and insertion

Zygomaticus minor originates from the anterior portion of the lateral surface of zygomatic bone, just posterior to the zygomaticomaxillary suture. It courses inferoanteriorly towards the lips, passing obliquely across the lateral surface of the maxilla. The muscle inserts medial to the zygomaticus major muscle by blending with the muscles of the upper lip; levator labii superioris and orbicularis oris. 

Relations

Zygomaticus minor muscle
Musculus zygomaticus minor
1/3
Synonyms: none

Zygomaticus minor lies deep to the subcutaneous fat of the face and superficial to the levator anguli oris muscle. Zygomatic branches of facial nerve course between the adjacent surfaces of these two respective muscles. 

Zygomaticus minor is placed in the same plane as, and superior to, zygomaticus major and sits inferiorly to orbicularis oculi. The labial attachment of the muscle is lateral to that of levator labii superioris alaeque nasi. With levator labii superioris alaeque nasi, zygomaticus minor bounds a triangular space through which the levator labii superioris muscle passes.

Innervation

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

Blood supply

Vascular supply to zygomaticus minor comes from the superior labial branch of facial artery.

Zygomatic branches of facial nerve
Rami zygomatici nervi facialis
1/3
Synonyms: none

Function

Zygomaticus minor is a direct tractor of the upper lip, together with levator labii superioris alaeque nasi and levator labii superioris. This means that it inserts to the upper lip directly, thus acting upon it without an intermediary. 

Do you want to memorize the muscles of facial expression as efficiently as possible? Take advantage of Kenhub's muscle anatomy and reference charts which focus on the key facts and improve retention!

Working in synergy with the above mentioned direct labial tractors, zygomaticus minor elevates the upper lip and deepens the nasolabial lines. The consequential function of zygomaticus minor is to contribute to several facial expressions; smiling, smugness and contempt. Zygomaticus minor also aids speech, particularly if the intention is to emphasize certain sounds such as the letter “E”.

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:

  • Brennan, P. A., Mahadevan, V., & Evans, B. T. (2016). Clinical head and neck anatomy for surgeons. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press, Taylor & Francis Group
  • Hiatt, J. L., & Gartner, L. P. (2010). Textbook of head and neck anatomy (4th ed.). Philadelphia, PA: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.
  • Moore, K. L., Dalley, A. F., & Agur, A. M. R. (2014). Clinically Oriented Anatomy (7th ed.). Philadelphia, PA: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.
  • Netter, F. (2019). Atlas of Human Anatomy (7th ed.). Philadelphia, PA: Saunders.
  • Palastanga, N., & Soames, R. (2012). Anatomy and human movement: structure and function (6th ed.). Edinburgh: Churchill Livingstone.
  • Standring, S. (2016). Gray's Anatomy (41st ed.). Edinburgh: Elsevier Churchill Livingstone.

Illustrators:

  • Zygomaticus minor muscle (musculus zygomaticus minor) - Yousun Koh

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