Which muscle is involved in drawing the corners of the mouth outward?

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Multiple Choice

Which muscle is involved in drawing the corners of the mouth outward?

Drawing the corners of the mouth outward is the action of the risorius. This muscle runs from the fascia near the cheek and inserts at the skin at the corners of the mouth, so when it contracts it pulls the mouth corners laterally, creating a wide, outward smile. The masseter and temporalis are involved in moving the jaw for chewing, not in moving the mouth corners. The buccinator helps compress the cheek against the teeth and aids in keeping food between the teeth, rather than pulling the mouth corners outward. So the risorius is the muscle responsible for that outward pull.

Drawing the corners of the mouth outward is the action of the risorius. This muscle runs from the fascia near the cheek and inserts at the skin at the corners of the mouth, so when it contracts it pulls the mouth corners laterally, creating a wide, outward smile. The masseter and temporalis are involved in moving the jaw for chewing, not in moving the mouth corners. The buccinator helps compress the cheek against the teeth and aids in keeping food between the teeth, rather than pulling the mouth corners outward. So the risorius is the muscle responsible for that outward pull.

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