Yes, cheeks have muscles. In fact, there are several muscles that contribute to the shape and function of your cheeks.
- Buccinator: This thin muscle helps hold your cheeks towards your teeth, playing a role in chewing and sucking.
- Lateral pterygoid: This fan-shaped muscle helps open your jaw.
- Masseter: This muscle runs from your cheek to the side of your jaw, helping to close your jaw.
Additionally, other facial muscles contribute to cheek movement, including the zygomaticus major which is responsible for smiling and can even contribute to the formation of cheek dimples.
Cheek muscles are essential for various functions, including:
- Chewing: The buccinator and masseter muscles work together to help you chew food.
- Smiling: The zygomaticus major and other facial muscles are responsible for the expression of a smile.
- Speech: Certain cheek muscles help with the articulation of sounds.
- Sucking: The buccinator muscle plays a role in sucking, particularly in infants.
Cheek muscles can be affected by various conditions, such as facial spasms, muscle weakness, and even facial paralysis.
