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Buccinator muscle

Medically Reviewed by Anatomy Team

  • Last updated on January 16, 2025

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The Buccinator muscle is a thin, triangular muscle located in the cheek region of the face.[5] It is a facial muscle that plays an important role in facial expressions and in the function of the mouth.

Structure

The Buccinator muscle is a flat, thin muscle that is located in the cheek region of the face. It originates from the alveolar processes of the maxilla and mandible, and inserts into the orbicularis oris muscle and the corner of the mouth.[3]

The Buccinator muscle is situated between the maxilla and mandible, and is partially covered by the masseter muscle.[1] It is a muscle of the second layer of the cheek, with the skin and subcutaneous tissue being the first layer, and the buccinator muscle being the second layer.

Location

The Buccinator muscle is located in the cheek region of the face, specifically in the region between the maxilla and mandible.[7] It is situated posterior to the masseter muscle, and anterior to the pterygoid muscles. The Buccinator muscle is located in the same plane as the orbicularis oris muscle, which is a circular muscle that surrounds the mouth.

Function

The Buccinator muscle plays an important role in facial expressions and in the function of the mouth.[6] It is responsible for flattening the cheek and compressing the cheek against the molars when chewing. It also plays a role in blowing, whistling, and sucking. In addition, the Buccinator muscle helps to shape the cheek and maintain the shape of the mouth when speaking or making facial expressions.

Clinical Significance

The Buccinator muscle is not commonly involved in clinical conditions, but it can be affected by injuries or infections.[3] One such condition is a cheek abscess, which is an accumulation of pus in the cheek region. A cheek abscess can cause swelling and pain in the cheek region, and may require drainage and antibiotic treatment.

References

  1. Warwick, R., & Williams, P. L. (1973). Gray’s Anatomy (35th ed.). Longman. ISBN: 9780582441676.
  2. Last, R. J. (1984). Last’s Anatomy: Regional and Applied (7th ed.). Churchill Livingstone. ISBN: 9780443025839.
  3. Hollinshead, W. H. (1982). Functional Anatomy of the Limbs and Back (5th ed.). W.B. Saunders. ISBN: 9780721611999.
  4. Romanes, G. J. (2015). Cunningham’s Manual of Practical Anatomy: Volume 3, Head, Neck and Brain (16th ed.). Oxford University Press. ISBN: 9780198749058.
  5. Sinnatamby, C. S. (2011). Last’s Anatomy: Regional and Applied (12th ed.). Churchill Livingstone. ISBN: 9780702033957.
  6. Testut, L., & Jacob, O. (1921). Traité d’Anatomie Humaine. G. Doin et Cie.
  7. McMinn, R. M. H., Hutchings, R. T., & Logan, B. M. (1994). Color Atlas of Head and Neck Anatomy (2nd ed.). Mosby. ISBN: 9780723422975.
  8. Standring, S. (2016). Gray’s Anatomy: The Anatomical Basis of Clinical Practice (40th ed.). Churchill Livingstone. ISBN: 9780702052309.