Which muscle surrounds the lower lip and depresses it, drawing it to one side?

Prepare for the Ohio Esthetics State Board Exam with our comprehensive quiz. Use flashcards and multiple choice questions with explanations to ensure your success on test day.

Multiple Choice

Which muscle surrounds the lower lip and depresses it, drawing it to one side?

Explanation:
Pulling the lower lip downward and toward a side is the job of the depressor labii inferioris. This muscle originates on the mandible near the lower edge, travels upward to insert into the skin of the lower lip, and when it contracts it lowers the lip. If one side contracts, it will pull the lip laterally, creating that sideways pull. This contrasts with the mentalis, which elevates and protrudes the lower lip, and with orbicularis oris, which surrounds the mouth to close and purse the lips. Some texts also call this muscle quadratus labii inferioris, a synonym for the same muscle.

Pulling the lower lip downward and toward a side is the job of the depressor labii inferioris. This muscle originates on the mandible near the lower edge, travels upward to insert into the skin of the lower lip, and when it contracts it lowers the lip. If one side contracts, it will pull the lip laterally, creating that sideways pull. This contrasts with the mentalis, which elevates and protrudes the lower lip, and with orbicularis oris, which surrounds the mouth to close and purse the lips. Some texts also call this muscle quadratus labii inferioris, a synonym for the same muscle.

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