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Mentalis

The mentalis (Latin: musculus mentalis) is a facial muscle located in the chin area below the mouth. It is classified as the buccolabial facial muscle. The mentalis produces small dimples in the skin of the chin.

Mentalis, Mentalis muscle, Facial muscles, Head muscles
Mentalis by Anatomy Next
Mentalis
OriginIncisive fossa of mandible
InsertionSkin of chin
ActionProduces small dimples in chin
InnervationMarginal mandibular branch of facial nerve (CN VII)
Blood supply Inferior labial artery of facial artery, mental artery of maxillary artery

 

Origin

The mentalis originates from the incisive fossa located on the alveolar process of the mandible below the lateral incisor.

 

Insertion

The fibers of the mentalis radiate from the origin site and insert into the skin of the chin.

Origin and insertion of mentalis muscle
Origin and insertion of mentalis by Anatomy Next

 

Action

Upon activation, the mentalis muscle produces small dimples in the chin. Contractions of the muscle produce facial expressions presenting doubt and indecision.

Action of mentalis muscle
Action of mentalis by Anatomy Next

 

Innervation

The mentalis is innervated by the marginal mandibular branch of the facial nerve (CN VII).

 

Blood supply

The mentalis muscle receives blood supply from the inferior labial branch of the facial artery and mental branch of the maxillary artery.