Mentalis

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The Mentalis is a muscle of facial expression of the mouth. The muscles of facial expression of the mouth are:

• Levator Labii Superioris Alaeque Nasi (also a muscle of fascial expression of the nose)
• Levator Labii Superioris
• Zygomaticus Minor
• Zygomaticus Major
• Levator Anguli Oris
• Risorius
• Depressor Anguli Oris
• Depressor Labii Inferioris
• Mentalis
• Buccinator
• Orbicularis Oris
• Platysma

ATTACHMENTS:

• Mandible to the fascia/skin of the chin.

ACTIONS:

• Elevates the lower lip.
• Everts the lower lip.
• Wrinkles the skin of the chin.

NOTES:

1. Eversion of the lower lip is to protrude and curl the lower lip outward.
2. Contraction of the mentalis can contribute to the facial expressions of uncertainty/doubt and pouting.
3. Mentalis is Latin for chin.