Buccinator

The buccinator (Latin: musculus buccinator) is a facial muscle that participates in forming the anterior part of the cheek and lateral wall of the oral vestibule. It is classified as the buccolabial facial muscle.

The buccinator is a thin quadrilateral-shaped muscle occupying the interval between the maxilla and mandible. It is the only facial muscle that is covered by the fascia known as the buccopharyngeal fascia.

Origin

The fibers of the buccinator arise from the pterygomandibular raphe and alveolar processes of the maxilla and mandible at the region of the first and second molar teeth.

Insertion

The buccinator inserts into the angle of the mouth and modiolus, radiating into the fibers of the orbicularis oris muscle.

Action

Upon contractions, the buccinator pulls the angle of the mouth laterally and presses the cheeks to the teeth, thus decreasing the oral vestibule. Contractions of this muscle produce facial expressions presenting satisfaction, laughing and crying.

Innervation

The buccinator is innervated by the buccal branch of the facial nerve (CN VII).

Blood supply

The buccinator is supplied by branches of the facial artery and the buccal branch of the maxillary artery.