Buccinator
Musculus buccinator
Also known as: trumpeter muscle, cheek muscle
A thin quadrilateral muscle forming the muscular wall of the cheek. It presses the cheek against the teeth to keep food between the molars and to expel air.
Overview
Buccinator occupies the space between the maxilla and mandible, deep to the other facial muscles and to the buccal fat pad. It arises from the alveolar processes of both jaws opposite the molars and, posteriorly, from the pterygomandibular raphe, where it meets the superior pharyngeal constrictor. Its fibres converge on the modiolus. The central fibres decussate: lower fibres run into the upper lip and upper fibres into the lower lip, and the outermost fibres pass straight on.
It is pierced by the parotid duct opposite the upper second molar. Although it is a muscle of facial expression supplied by CN VII (buccal branch), it functions mainly in mastication. It returns food from the vestibule to the occlusal surfaces and stops the cheek from being bitten. It also lets you blow forcefully (playing a trumpet, hence its name, from buccina, trumpet) and helps in sucking. Do not confuse it with the buccal nerve (V3), which is purely sensory to the skin and mucosa of the cheek.
Anatomy
- Origin
Alveolar processes of the maxilla and mandible opposite the molar teeth, and the pterygomandibular raphe.
- Insertion
Modiolus at the angle of the mouth, blending with orbicularis oris.
- Action
Compresses the cheek against the molars, keeping food on the occlusal surfaces, and expels air.
- Innervation
Facial nerve (CN VII), buccal branch. Not supplied by the buccal nerve of V3, which is sensory.
- Nerve roots
Cranial nerve VII; no spinal roots
- Arterial supply
Facial artery and buccal artery (from the maxillary artery).
- Relations
Pierced by the parotid duct opposite the 2nd maxillary molar. Covered by the buccal fat pad and buccopharyngeal fascia. Continuous posteriorly with the superior constrictor at the pterygomandibular raphe.
Function
- Presses the cheek against the teeth during chewing
- Expels air from the distended cheeks (blowing)
- Assists sucking in infants
Clinical significance
Food pocketing
In facial palsy, food collects in the vestibule between the cheek and the gums because buccinator can no longer return it to the teeth.
Compiled from standard anatomy and physiology references — see the Muscular System sources. For education only; not medical advice.