The mentalis is the primary chin muscle, producing the pout and chin dimple. It is the only muscle that protrudes the lower lip and is unique in having no muscular antagonist directly opposing its action.
| Origin | Incisive fossa of the mandible — above the lower incisor roots |
|---|---|
| Insertion | Skin of the chin — dermis |
| Nerve Supply | Facial nerve — marginal mandibular branch (VII) |
| Blood Supply | Inferior labial artery |
| Actions | Elevates and protrudes the lower lip — the pouting muscle; Wrinkles the chin skin — produces chin dimpling |
|---|
Mentalis over-activity produces chin dimpling ("golf ball chin") — the target for chin botulinum injection. Mentalis strain from malocclusion or dental prosthetics produces chin hypertonicity. In chin augmentation surgery, the mentalis must be carefully reattached to the mandible to prevent lower lip ptosis ("witch's chin" deformity).
Produces chin skin dimpling and lower lip protrusion during pout.
Chronic mentalis hypertonicity producing chin skin dimpling and lower lip strain, treated by targeted botulinum injection to the mentalis.
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