Zygomaticus Minor
Facial Expression · Head & Neck
The zygomaticus minor is a slender muscle of facial expression that helps elevate the upper lip. It arises from the zygomatic bone near the zygomaticomaxillary suture, just medial to the origin of the zygomaticus major, and descends to insert into the skin and muscle of the upper lip lateral to the levator labii superioris. When it contracts it raises the upper lip and deepens the nasolabial furrow, contributing to expressions of smiling and, when the lip is curled, of disdain. As a muscle of facial expression it is supplied by the facial nerve (CN VII) through its buccal and zygomatic branches. It works in concert with the levator labii superioris and zygomaticus major to shape the upper lip and cheek.
Origin, Insertion, Action & Nerve
Origin
Zygomatic bone, near the zygomaticomaxillary suture
Insertion
Skin and muscle of the upper lip, lateral to levator labii superioris
Action
Elevates the upper lip; deepens the nasolabial furrow
Nerve
Buccal and zygomatic branches of facial nerve (CN VII)
Attachments explained
The Zygomaticus Minor 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
Zygomatic bone, near the zygomaticomaxillary suture
Insertion
Skin and muscle of the upper lip, lateral to levator labii superioris
Action & function
When the Zygomaticus Minor contracts, it produces the following movements: Elevates the upper lip; deepens the nasolabial furrow.
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 Zygomaticus Minor receives its nerve supply from the Buccal and zygomatic branches of facial nerve (CN VII).
Because a muscle can only contract when its nerve is intact, injury to the Buccal and zygomatic branches of facial nerve can weaken or paralyse the Zygomaticus Minor, impairing the movements it normally produces (elevates the upper lip). This is why knowing the innervation is central to localising nerve lesions in clinical practice.
How to study the Zygomaticus Minor (the OIANS method)
Distinguish the two zygomaticus muscles by their insertions: the minor inserts into the upper lip and elevates it, deepening the nasolabial furrow, whereas the major inserts into the modiolus at the angle of the mouth and pulls it up and out in a broad smile. Fixing the minor as an upper-lip elevator, sitting between levator labii superioris medially and zygomaticus major laterally, keeps it in its proper place in the fan of muscles.
Because it belongs to the upper lip elevators, keep its innervation identical to theirs: the facial nerve (CN VII) via the buccal and zygomatic branches. Study the zygomaticus minor immediately alongside zygomaticus major and levator labii superioris, so the only things left to distinguish are the origin on the zygomatic bone and the insertion into the upper lip rather than the modiolus.
Frequently asked questions
Where is the Zygomaticus Minor located?
The Zygomaticus Minor is a muscle of the Facial Expression group, located in the Head & Neck.
What is the origin of the Zygomaticus Minor?
Zygomatic bone, near the zygomaticomaxillary suture
What is the insertion of the Zygomaticus Minor?
Skin and muscle of the upper lip, lateral to levator labii superioris
What movements does the Zygomaticus Minor produce?
Elevates the upper lip; deepens the nasolabial furrow
What nerve supplies the Zygomaticus Minor?
Buccal and zygomatic branches of facial nerve (CN VII)
Is the Zygomaticus Minor free to study in OIANS?
The Zygomaticus Minor 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
Study the Zygomaticus Minor
Test yourself on Head & Neck muscles with interactive quizzes and flashcards in the free OIANS app.
Quiz yourself → Flashcards Open the OIANS app
Browsing is always free. A one-time Lifetime unlock adds every region's quizzes, flashcards, progress tracking and explore tools.