Click on the structure to specify the target of your label
![]() |
01 | ![]() |
Risorius
Other Terms:
Musculus risorius,
Muscle risorius
Muscle parts
None
Latin name
Musculus risorius
Latin muscle parts
None
Group
Branchial arch muscle – second arch (Facial muscle)
Etymology
The English name for this muscle is the laughing muscle. The word risorius comes from the Latin risus meaning “laugh.”
Origin
Somewhat variable, it can attach to the zygomatic arch, the parotid and masseteric fascia, and blend with fibers of the platysma
Insertion
Blends with other muscle fibers in the modiolus at the angle of the mouth
Action
Pulls the angle of the mouth laterally and somewhat superiorly.
Nerve supply
Facial nerve (Cranial nerve VII)
Blood supply
Small anastomotic branches from the first part of the facial artery; transverse facial artery.
Latin
Musculus risorius
French
Muscle risorius