Facial motor nucleus

The Facial motor nucleus is a collection of neurons that is located in the brainstem. It is responsible for motor innervation of the muscles of facial expression.

Pronunciation

Facial: /ˈfeɪʃəl/
Motor: /ˈmoʊtər/
Nucleus: /ˈnjuːkliəs/

Etymology

The term "Facial motor nucleus" is derived from the following roots:

Facial: From the Latin facies meaning face.
Motor: From the Latin mōtor meaning mover.
Nucleus: From the Latin nucleus meaning kernel or core.

Function

The Facial motor nucleus is part of the facial nerve (cranial nerve VII) and controls the muscles of facial expression. These muscles include the orbicularis oculi, orbicularis oris, buccinator, platysma, and the muscles of the scalp and ear.

Related Terms

Neuron: A nerve cell that is the basic building block of the nervous system.
Brainstem: The part of the brain that connects the cerebrum with the spinal cord.
Facial nerve: The seventh cranial nerve that controls the muscles of facial expression.
Orbicularis oculi: A muscle in the face that closes the eyelids.
Orbicularis oris: A muscle in the face that closes the lips.
Buccinator: A thin, flat muscle of the cheek.
Platysma: A superficial muscle that overlaps parts of the neck, shoulders, and chest.
Scalp: The skin covering the head, excluding the face.
Ear: The organ of hearing and balance.