Depressor Anguli Oris Muscle

The Depressor Anguli Oris muscle is associated with frowning. It originates from the oblique (at an angle or sloping) line of the mandible and inserts into the Modiolus at the angle of the mouth. Since it is attached to the lower jaw (mandible) it allows for frowning and the angle of the mouth it inserts to is part of the Orbicularis Oris which allows for smiling, closing the mouth, and puckering the lips as though to kiss.

Anterior | Laterally

Omohyoid Muscle Trapezius Muscle Masseter Muscle Orbicularis Oris Muscle Mentalis Muscle Depressor Labii Inferioris Muscle Depressor Anguli Oris Muscle Buccinator Muscle Zygomaticus Major Muscle Zygomaticus Minor Muscle Levator Labii Superioris Muscle Temporal Muscle Orbicularis Oculi Muscle Sternocleidomastoid Muscle Frontalis Muscle

Depressor Anguli Oris Muscle

The depressor anguli oris muscle pulls down the edges of the lips. There are two of these muscles and each are located on either side of the mouth. It also forms the facial area referred to as the jowls in adults.

During pregnancy the muscle sometimes does not develop and the child is born without this muscle. If the muscle is missing from just one side of the mouth, it can be noticed during times when the baby is awake and crying. During these times the corner of the mouth on the side where the muscle is missing will become displaced toward the normal side. Later as the baby grows it is usually not noticeable. This makes intervention by surgery unnecessary to correct the condition and surgery is usually not performed.

People who have a problem with looking as though they have a perpetual frown will sometimes have a botox injection which allows this area of the mouth to be plumped up to take away the frowning look.

The facial nerve (cranial nerve V ll) controls the movements of the muscle and it is grouped with the Branchial arch muscles in the second arch.

The function of this muscle is to allow facial expressions as it contracts to pull the angle of the mouth inferiorly and laterally.

Report Error