Which muscle lifts the corners of the mouth when smiling?

Prepare for the VTCT Level 2 Facial and Skincare Test. Revise with flashcards and multiple choice questions, accompanied by insightful explanations. Ace your assessment with confidence!

Multiple Choice

Which muscle lifts the corners of the mouth when smiling?

Lifting the corners of the mouth during a smile is produced by the zygomaticus muscles. The zygomaticus major runs from the cheekbone to the corner of the mouth and pulls that corner upward and outward when you smile. The zygomaticus minor helps raise the upper lip, which can make a smile look fuller, but it doesn’t primarily lift the mouth corner. Other muscles have different roles: the depressor anguli oris pulls the corners downward, the depressor labii inferioris lowers the lower lip, mentalis wrinkles the chin, and platysma tensions the neck and can depress the lower face. So the muscle best responsible for lifting the corners of the mouth is the zygomaticus major.

Lifting the corners of the mouth during a smile is produced by the zygomaticus muscles. The zygomaticus major runs from the cheekbone to the corner of the mouth and pulls that corner upward and outward when you smile. The zygomaticus minor helps raise the upper lip, which can make a smile look fuller, but it doesn’t primarily lift the mouth corner. Other muscles have different roles: the depressor anguli oris pulls the corners downward, the depressor labii inferioris lowers the lower lip, mentalis wrinkles the chin, and platysma tensions the neck and can depress the lower face. So the muscle best responsible for lifting the corners of the mouth is the zygomaticus major.

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