Buccinator
Facial Expression · Head & Neck
The buccinator is the muscular basis of the cheek, a deep muscle of facial expression that forms the lateral wall of the oral cavity. It arises from the alveolar processes of the maxilla and mandible opposite the molar teeth and from the pterygomandibular raphe behind, and its fibres run forward to blend with the orbicularis oris at the angle of the mouth. Its principal role is to compress the cheek against the teeth, keeping food on the occlusal surfaces during chewing and preventing it from collecting in the vestibule, and it aids in whistling and blowing. It is supplied by the buccal branch of the facial nerve (CN VII).
Origin, Insertion, Action & Nerve
Origin
Alveolar processes of maxilla and mandible, and pterygomandibular raphe
Insertion
Angle of the mouth, blending with orbicularis oris
Action
Compresses cheek against teeth during chewing; keeps food on occlusal surface; aids blowing
Nerve
Buccal branch of facial nerve (CN VII)
Attachments explained
The Buccinator is defined first by where it attaches. Its origin is the more fixed anchor, usually the proximal or more stable end that stays put during contraction, while its insertion is the more mobile point that is pulled toward the origin when the muscle shortens.
Origin
Alveolar processes of maxilla and mandible, and pterygomandibular raphe
Insertion
Angle of the mouth, blending with orbicularis oris
Action & function
When the Buccinator contracts, it produces the following movements: Compresses cheek against teeth during chewing; keeps food on occlusal surface; aids blowing.
As part of the Facial Expression group of the Head & Neck, it works alongside neighbouring muscles to generate smooth, coordinated movement and to stabilise the structures it acts on.
Nerve supply & clinical relevance
The Buccinator receives its nerve supply from the Buccal branch of facial nerve (CN VII).
Because a muscle can only contract when its nerve is intact, injury to the Buccal branch of facial nerve can weaken or paralyse the Buccinator, impairing the movements it normally produces (compresses cheek against teeth during chewing). This is why knowing the innervation is central to localising nerve lesions in clinical practice.
How to study the Buccinator (the OIANS method)
Grasp the buccinator by its everyday jobs: it presses the cheek against the teeth so chewed food stays on the grinding surfaces, and it expels air forcefully, as in blowing a trumpet, which is the origin of its name. Reasoning from its position as the muscular wall of the cheek makes both the chewing and blowing actions self-evident.
Note the classic pitfall on nerve supply: although the buccinator assists mastication, it is a muscle of facial expression supplied by the facial nerve (CN VII), not the trigeminal nerve of the true chewing muscles. Remembering that its buccal branch is shared with the neighbouring orbicularis oris keeps it firmly in the facial-expression group.
Frequently asked questions
Where is the Buccinator located?
The Buccinator is a muscle of the Facial Expression group, located in the Head & Neck.
What is the origin of the Buccinator?
Alveolar processes of maxilla and mandible, and pterygomandibular raphe
What is the insertion of the Buccinator?
Angle of the mouth, blending with orbicularis oris
What movements does the Buccinator produce?
Compresses cheek against teeth during chewing; keeps food on occlusal surface; aids blowing
What nerve supplies the Buccinator?
Buccal branch of facial nerve (CN VII)
Is the Buccinator free to study in OIANS?
The Buccinator is always free to browse. Its full origin, insertion, action and nerve details are open to everyone in the Muscle Directory. Quiz and Flashcard practice for the Head & Neck is part of the one-time Lifetime upgrade, though; only the Upper Limb decks are free to test yourself on.
Related muscles
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