Name

# Zygomaticus Major

Pronunciation

(zI-go-mat-i-kus)

Origin/Proximal Attachment

From the zygomatic bone in front of the zygomaticotemporal suture

Insertion/Distal Attachment

Into the angle of mouth with levator and depressor anguli oris and orbicularis oris muscles.

Action/Relevance

Draws the angle of the mouth upward and backward as when laughing or smiling.

Innervation

Buccal branch of the facial nerve.

Notes

Zygomaticus major is one of the muscles affecting the shape of the mouth: it raises the angle superiorly and laterally. On each side, it originates from the anterior and inferior surface of the zygomatic bone. It inserts into the angle of the mouth. As it passes anteroinferior from its origin, the facial artery and vein lie deep.