A smile is the result of happiness. It lifts and extends the bottom of the face and the uplifted cheeks will often crease the flesh just below the eyes resulting in the so-called “crow’s feet”.

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

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

* The Zygomaticus Major – is the major “muscle of happiness”. This extended muscle begins at the front area of the Zygomatic Arch (cheek bone) and inserts into the node.

When the zygomaticus major shrinks 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 extended, ribbon-like deep-seated muscle. It begins at the temple and inserts into and forms the lower part of the smile-line.

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

* The Buccinator – quadrilateral muscle forms the “cheek cushion”. It begins on the back, inside of the jaw and inserts into the “nodes” of the mouth.

When smiling the buccinator shrinks thus drawing at the nodes and extend the mouth.

As the mouth is extended and drawn 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 a bit.

Below are still other minor muscles that add 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 begins in the tissue of the Masseter (whose action is utilized largely for chewing) and inserts into the node of the mouth.

The risorius subtly draws the node backwards and up. Its effect is generally observed in gentle smiles.

2. Incisivus Labii Superioris and Inferioris Superioris – The superioris does the heaving. These thing, band-like muscles begin just above the incisor tooth area and also insert into the node.

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 a bit restricted.

But, the higher part of this muscle adds to the volume of the cheek and the smile-line.

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

During a smile the lower eyelids are also pushed upwards. This is a consequence of a secondary action where the Orbicularis Oculi (the muscle of the eye socket) shrinks.

The smile-line is deepened as it is simultaneously drawn and pushed upwards and outward. It is best to play down the sharp fold of the smile-line otherwise the smile will deteriorate into a grimace.

As the node of the mouth is drawn out and upwards the flesh is gathered into subtle vertical ridges.

The interstice of the mouth curves upwards, broadening and flattening the lips while reducing the philtrum. The nostrils of the nose also extend as they are drawn outwards.

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

The parts of this muscle are the furrow section which inserts into the top part of the smile-line; the alar section which attaches under and behind the wing of the nose (Alae Nasi); and the lip section which inserts continuously into the ridge just above the top lip and to the philtrum.

When rendering the smile-line be careful not to over-do it. A subtle suggestion is all that is needed. Otherwise your lovely smile will quickly degenerate into a scowl.

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

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

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