The orbicularis oris muscle is the one used to pucker your lips before kissing

The Orbicularis Oris Muscle: The Mover Behind Your Kiss

Have you ever wondered about the muscle that helps you pucker your lips before kissing? Look no further, as we delve into the fascinating world of the orbicularis oris muscle. This small but mighty muscle plays a crucial role in enabling you to express affection through a gentle embrace of the lips.

The orbicularis oris muscle is a circular muscle located around the lips, giving them their distinctive shape. It is responsible for various facial movements, including lip puckering, smiling, and even whistling. Without the orbicularis oris, these actions would be impossible.

This muscle is composed of both skeletal muscle fibers, which are under voluntary control, and smooth muscle fibers, which are involuntary. The combination of these two types of muscle fibers allows for precise and controlled movements of the lips.

When it comes to kissing, the orbicularis oris muscle truly shines. As you lean in for a smooch, this muscle contracts, causing your lips to pucker. By contracting the orbicularis oris muscle, you create a small opening between your lips, allowing them to meet your partner’s lips in a gentle and affectionate embrace.

Interestingly, the orbicularis oris muscle is not only involved in romantic gestures. It also plays a vital role in speech and various facial expressions. When you smile or purse your lips to blow a kiss, the orbicularis oris muscle is responsible for these movements as well.

The orbicularis oris muscle is innervated by the facial nerve, also known as cranial nerve VII. This nerve provides the necessary signals for the muscle to contract and perform its functions. Without this important nerve, the muscle would be unable to receive instructions from the brain and would lose its ability to produce the desired movements.

In conclusion, the orbicularis oris muscle, with its unique circular arrangement, allows us to pucker our lips and engage in various expressions of affection. Whether it’s a tender kiss or a beaming smile, this remarkable muscle brings our emotions to life, making it a vital player in our daily interactions.

Source: Wikipedia - Orbicularis Oris