A smile is the consequence of happiness. It lifts and broadens the lower face and the raised cheeks will often crease the skin just below the eyes resulting in the so-called “crow’s feet”.

To recognize the makings of a smile in its numerous manifestations we must first recognize the underlying anatomy.

Below we list the three significant muscles that contribute to a smile:

* The Zygomaticus Major - is the major “muscle of happiness”. This elongated muscle starts at the front area of the Zygomatic Arch (cheek bone) and inserts into the corner.

When the zygomaticus major contracts it bulges and lifts the cheek while further deepening the Nasolabial Furrow or smile-line.

* The Malaris - lies on top of the zygomaticus major and is a long, ribbon-like deep-seated muscle. It starts at the temple and inserts into and forms the bottom half of the nasolabial furrow.

The malaris is the cheek muscle. It heaves up the cheek in an outwards and back bearing making it bulge and giving it the puffy cheek look.

* The Buccinator - quadrilateral muscle forms the “cheek cushion”. It starts on the back, inside of the jaw and inserts into the “corners” of the mouth.

When smiling the buccinator contracts thus heaving at the corners and broaden the mouth.

As the mouth is broadened and pulled by both the zygomaticus major and buccinator the lips are extended and flattened. So is the chin. The philtrum is shortened and the nostrils flare to some extent.

Below are still other minor muscles that contribute to the smile:

1. The Risorius - is a curious muscle because not each person has one. Some people only have a risorius on one side of the face. Others have a large, expansive triangular shaped one.

The Risorius starts in the fatty tissue of the Masseter (whose action is made use of mainly for chewing) and inserts into the corner of the mouth.

The risorius delicately draws the corner backwards and up. Its effect is mainly seen in gentle smiles.

2. Incisivus Labii Superioris and Inferioris Superioris - The superioris does the heaving. These thing, band-like muscles start just above the incisor tooth region and also insert into the corner.

When fully contracted, a puckering up of the lips (a kiss) is produced.

3. The Levator Labii Superioris is a narrow, quadrilateral muscle whose effect on the smile is to some extent restricted.

But, the upper part of this muscle contributes to the volume of the cheek and the nasolabial furrow.

Over the three significant muscles goes the most complicated of all the facial muscles, the Orbicularis Oris which operates throughout a large range of actions and expressions.

During a smile the bottom eyelids are also pressed upward. This is the result of a secondary action where the Orbicularis Oculi (the muscle of the eye socket) contracts.

The nasolabial furrow is deepened as it is simultaneously pulled and pressed upward and outwards. It is best to understate the sharp fold of the nasolabial furrow otherwise the smile will deteriorate into a scowl.

As the corner of the mouth is pulled out and upward the skin is gathered into delicate vertical ridges.

The interstice of the mouth curves upward, stretching and flattening the lips while shortening the philtrum. The nostrils of the nose also broaden as they are pulled outwards.

The top portion of the nasolabial furrow is produced by a slender, three-part muscle named the Levator Labii Superioris Alaeque Nasi. This is the muscle that formes wrinkles in the nose during sniffing.

The elements of this muscle are the furrow part which inserts into the top part of the nasolabial furrow; the alar part which inserts under and behind the wing of the nose (Alae Nasi); and the lip part which inserts continuously into the ridge just above the top lip and to the philtrum.

When drawing the nasolabial furrow be careful not to over-do it. A delicate suggestion is all that is needed. Otherwise your lovely smile will quickly degenerate into a scowl.

With this we have detailed and discussed the most essential muscles that are involved in the smile. This should put you on the accurate path for recognizing the anatomy of the smile.

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Remi Engels is a pencil portrait artist and oil painter and practiced drawing teacher. See his work at pencil portraits by Remi.

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Posted in: Drawing Tips | | January 2009