Why Is the Zygomaticus Major Important?

The main action of zygomaticus major is to pull the angle of the mouth superolaterally. In coordination with other buccolabial muscles, it facilitates speech and creates facial expressions. Along with risorius, zygomaticus major contributes to laughing, which is why they are deemed the “laughing muscles”.

What does the zygomaticus major do?

Of all the muscles in the face, the zygomaticus major is perhaps the most noticeable. Sitting between the corners of our lips and the upper part of our cheeks, it controls the way in which we smile. The muscle sits atop the zygomatic bone, otherwise known as the cheekbone.

Which muscle is responsible for smiling?

Each smile hinges on an anatomical feature known as the zygomaticus major, straps of facial muscle below the cheekbones that pull up the corners of the mouth.