Buccinator muscle
Buccinator Muscle
The Buccinator muscle (pronounced: buk-sin-ay-tor) is a thin, flat muscle of the cheek, deep to the Zygomaticus major and Zygomaticus minor muscles, forming the lateral wall of the oral cavity.
Etymology
The term "Buccinator" is derived from the Latin word "bucca," which means cheek.
Function
The Buccinator muscle aids in mastication (chewing) by pressing the cheek against the molars, keeping food between the grinding surfaces of the teeth. It also aids in speech by maintaining tension on the cheek, and in blowing air out of the mouth.
Anatomy
The Buccinator muscle originates from the Alveolar processes of the maxilla and mandible, and the pterygomandibular raphe. It inserts into the orbicularis oris muscle, blending with the muscle fibers there. It is innervated by the buccal branch of the Facial nerve (cranial nerve VII).
Clinical Significance
Damage to the Buccinator muscle or its nerve supply can result in difficulty with chewing and speech. This is often seen in conditions such as Bell's palsy and stroke.
Related Terms
- Mastication
- Facial nerve
- Zygomaticus major
- Zygomaticus minor
- Alveolar processes
- Orbicularis oris muscle
- Bell's palsy
- Stroke
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Buccinator muscle
- Wikipedia's article - Buccinator muscle
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