Mentalis
Mentalis
Mentalis (/mɛnˈteɪlɪs/; from Latin mentum meaning "chin") is a paired central muscle of the lower lip, situated at the tip of the chin. It is part of the facial muscles and is responsible for elevating and protruding the lower lip, which plays a key role in expressions such as pouting or showing doubt.
Anatomy
The mentalis muscle originates from the mandible, specifically the incisive fossa of the mandible, and inserts into the skin of the chin. It is innervated by the marginal mandibular branch of the facial nerve (cranial nerve VII).
Function
The primary function of the mentalis is to elevate and protrude the lower lip, causing wrinkling of the chin, often associated with expressions of doubt or confusion. It also assists in the closure of the mouth.
Clinical significance
In clinical practice, the mentalis muscle is often targeted in botulinum toxin treatments to reduce chin dimpling or "peau d'orange" (orange peel skin). It is also of interest in plastic surgery, particularly in procedures involving the lower face and chin.
Related terms
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Mentalis
- Wikipedia's article - Mentalis
This WikiMD dictionary article is a stub. You can help make it a full article.
Languages: - East Asian
中文,
日本,
한국어,
South Asian
हिन्दी,
Urdu,
বাংলা,
తెలుగు,
தமிழ்,
ಕನ್ನಡ,
Southeast Asian
Indonesian,
Vietnamese,
Thai,
မြန်မာဘာသာ,
European
español,
Deutsch,
français,
русский,
português do Brasil,
Italian,
polski