The zygomaticus minor is a small muscle of facial expression connecting the zygomatic bone to the upper lip, deepening the nasolabial fold and elevating the lip during sad or disgusted expressions. It is smaller and less consistent than the zygomaticus major and contributes to the complex interplay of perioral muscles that produce subtle facial expressions.
| Origin | Zygomatic bone posterior to the zygomaticotemporal suture |
|---|---|
| Insertion | Upper lip, lateral to the philtrum |
| Nerve Supply | Zygomatic branch of the facial nerve (CN VII) |
| Blood Supply | Facial artery |
| Actions |
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Working with the levator labii superioris alaeque nasi, it produces the lip elevation and nasolabial fold accentuation seen in expressions of sadness, disgust, and contempt.
Clinically assessed as part of the overall perioral facial expression complex in facial nerve palsy evaluation. Rarely relevant as an isolated structure except in cosmetic surgery and facial reanimation procedures where individual muscle function is mapped.
Not reliably palpable individually as it is a thin subcutaneous muscle blending with adjacent facial muscles.
Affected in all facial nerve palsies as part of the upper facial nerve branch distribution, producing loss of nasolabial fold depth and upper lip elevation.
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