Muscle
Buccinator
Keeps the cheek close to the teeth
High-yield
Buccinator assists chewing but belongs to the muscles of facial expression. Its motor supply comes from CN VII; the buccal nerve of V3 provides sensation rather than its motor supply.
Overview
Buccinator forms the muscular wall of the cheek. As food moves during chewing, it presses the cheek inward and helps return food to the biting surfaces. The muscle also controls the cheek during blowing and sucking.
Reference facts
- Origin
- Molar regions of the maxillary and mandibular alveolar processes, and the pterygomandibular raphe
- Insertion
- Fibers converge at the mouth angle and interlace with orbicularis oris
- Action
- Presses the cheek inward to position food and assist blowing and sucking
- Innervation
- Buccal branches of the facial nerve (CN VII)
- Blood supply
- Facial artery and the buccal branch of the maxillary artery
Clinical correlation
Facial nerve weakness can let food collect between the cheek and teeth. The parotid duct passes through buccinator before opening into the mouth opposite the upper second molar.
Frequently asked questions
What does the buccinator do?
The buccinator presses the cheek inward to position food and assist blowing and sucking.
What nerve innervates the buccinator?
The buccinator is innervated by the buccal branches of the facial nerve (CN VII).
Where does the buccinator attach?
The buccinator originates from the molar regions of the maxillary and mandibular alveolar processes, and the pterygomandibular raphe and inserts on the fibers converge at the mouth angle and interlace with orbicularis oris.
What is the blood supply of the buccinator?
The buccinator is supplied by the facial artery and the buccal branch of the maxillary artery.