Orbicularis Oris

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The Orbicularis Oris 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:

• The orbicularis oris encircles the mouth.

ACTIONS:

• Closes the mouth.
• Protracts (protrudes) the lips.

NOTES:

1. There are two orbicularis oris muscles. The two orbicularis oris muscles on the left and right sides of the body blend into each muscle at the midline.
2. The orbicularis oris puckers the lips, so it is often referred to as the kissing muscle.
3. The orbicularis oris is also functionally important for whistling.