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Muscle Head & Skull

Zygomaticus Major Detail

musculus zygomaticus major detail

Zygomaticus major is the primary smile muscle. Its oblique direction from the zygomatic arch to the modiolus creates the nasolabial fold and dimple in individuals with an accessory bundle.

An expanded entry for Zygomaticus Major.

Anatomical Data

Origin, Insertion & Supply

OriginZygomatic bone, lateral surface, zygomatic arch area
InsertionModiolus at the corner of the mouth
Nerve SupplyFacial nerve, zygomatic and buccal branches (VII)
Blood SupplyFacial artery
Biomechanics

Function & Actions

Actions
  • Pulls the corner of the mouth superolaterally, the primary smile muscle
  • Produces the nasolabial fold during smiling

It draws the corner of the mouth upward and outward, producing a smile.

Clinical Relevance

Clinical Notes

Zygomaticus major is the most commonly replicated muscle in smile reanimation surgery. Temporalis transfer and gracilis free muscle transfer aim to replicate its vector from zygomatic arch to modiolus.

Palpation

Palpated along the cheek during smiling, the prominent diagonal cord.

Pathology

Common Injuries & Conditions

Zygomaticus Major Vector Replication in Smile Reanimation

Gracilis transfer positioned to replicate the zygomaticus major pull direction, restoring dynamic smile symmetry.

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