Name

# Zygomaticus Minor

Pronunciation

(zI-go-mat-i-kus)

Origin/Proximal Attachment

Lateral surface of the zygomatic bone.

Insertion/Distal Attachment

Upper lip between levator labii superioris and zygomaticus major.

Action/Relevance

raises the upper lip upward and laterally and helps form the nasolabial furrow.

Innervation

Buccal branch of the facial nerve.

Notes

Zygomaticus major is one of the muscles of facial expression. It acts to raise and evert the margin of the upper lip.

On each side, its origin is superior and medial to that of zygomaticus major on the zygomatic bone. It passes anteriorly, inferiorly and medially to insert into the skin and muscle of the upper lip. During its course, the facial artery and vein lie deep to it.