The risorius muscle is a highly variable muscle of facial expression. It has numerous and very variable origins, and inserts into the angle of the mouth. It receives motor innervation from branches of facial nerve (CN VII). It may be absent or asymmetrical in some people. It pulls the angle of the mouth sidewise, such as during smiling.

Structure

The risorius muscle is highly variable.

Attachments

Its peripheral attachments may include (some or all of): the parotid fascia, masseteric fascia, the fascia enveloping the pars modiolaris of the platysma muscle, fascia overlying the mastoid part of temporal bone, and/or the zygomatic arch. Its apical and subapical (i.e. convergent) attachment is at the modiolus.

Innervation

The risorius receives motor innervation from the buccal branch of the facial nerve (CN VII).

Vasculature

The risorius receives arterial supply mostly from the superior labial artery.

Variation

The risorius muscle is highly variable. It ranges in form from one or more slender bundles to a wide (yet thin) fan. It may be absent in a significant minority of people, and may be asymmetrical.

Relations

It is superficial to the masseter muscle, partially overlying it.

Function

The risorius muscle draws the angle of the mouth lateral-ward. It participates in producing facial expressions like a smile, grin, or laugh.

Clinical significance

Because it partially overlies the masseter muscle, it may be unintentionally affected during botox injections, resulting in unnatural facial expressions.

Other animals

It has been suggested that the risorius muscle is only found in Homininae (African great apes and humans).

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