What is the lip muscle called?

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The muscle around the mouth is called the orbicularis oris. Gray's Anatomy (1918) describes it as a complex sphincter-like muscle surrounding the mouth.

Summary

The muscle around the mouth is called the orbicularis oris. Gray's Anatomy (1918) describes it as a complex sphincter-like muscle surrounding the mouth.

What it is

  • A complex sphincter-like muscle surrounding the mouth.
  • Closes and purses the lips.
  • Essential for speech, whistling, and kissing.

Where it is

  • In the substance of the lips.
  • Blends at its corners with the other muscles of facial expression.
  • Not attached to bone.

Sources

According to Gray's Anatomy of the Human Body (1918, public domain):

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