Facial and Neck Muscle Functions

Masseter

Raises the Lower Jaw and assists in Mastication

Zygomaticus Major

Pulls the Corner of the Mouth Upward and Backward when Smiling or Laughing

Risorius

Retracts the Corners of the Mouth

Buccinator

Presses Cheek against Molar Teeth to keep food between teeth

Orbicularis Oculi

Closes Eyelids

Orbicularis Oris

Compresses and Protrudes Lips

Frontalis

Draws the Eyebrows and Skin of the Forehead Upwards

Temporalis

Raises the Lower Jaw

Platysma

Depresses Mandible and tenses skin of lower face

Sternocleidomastoid

Bends, Rotates, Flexes, and Extends the Head

Sternohyoid

Depresses Hyoid Bone after it has been Elevated during Swallowing

Omohyoid

Depresses, Retracts, and Steadies Hyoid Bone

Sternothyroid

Depresses Hyoid Bone and Larynx

Thyrohyoid

Depresses Hyoid Bone and Elevates Larynx