Buccinator Muscle: Function and Importance

Introduction

The buccinator muscle is a crucial facial muscle that plays a vital role in various facial expressions and mastication (chewing). Its primary function is to prevent food from accumulating between the teeth and buccal mucosa (cheek lining), ensuring smooth and efficient mastication.

Form and Structure

The buccinator muscle is a thin, quadrilateral-shaped muscle located between the maxilla (upper jawbone) and the mandible (lower jawbone) on the sides of the face. It originates from the maxilla and inserts into the buccal raphe, a fibrous band running along the cheek's midline.

Function

The buccinator muscle's main function is to constrict the oral cavity, preventing food from getting stuck between the teeth and the buccal mucosa. During chewing, it contracts to ensure that food is directed backward towards the pharynx (throat) for proper swallowing.

Early Development

Notably, the buccinator muscle is one of the first muscles activated by sucking during infancy. This early activation is crucial for proper feeding and developmental milestones related to oral functions.