The zygomaticus minor is a paired facial muscle that contributes to the elevation of the upper lip, thereby exposing the maxillary teeth and enabling smiling.

It arises from the lateral (facial) surface of the zygomatic bone and passes anteroinferiorly toward the upper lip. Medially, it is bordered by the levator labii superioris, while laterally lies the zygomaticus major. It inserts medial to the zygomaticus major, blending with the fibers of the upper lip muscles.

Origin and insertion of zygomaticus minor

Origin: lateral (facial) surface of the zygomatic bone, near the zygomaticomaxillary suture.

Insertion: skin of the middle section of the nasolabial furrow, fibers of the orbicularis oris muscle, and the lateral aspect of the upper lip, blending with the fibers of adjacent muscles (levator labii superioris and orbicularis oris).

Action: pulls the middle aspect of one side of the upper lip backward, upward, and laterally. Also, it deepens the upper middle portion of the nasolabial furrow.

Innervation: buccal and zygomatic branches of the facial nerve (CN VII).

Arterial blood supply: superior labial artery of the facial artery.

Venous drainage: superior labial vein, which drains into the facial vein.

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Zygomaticus minor