The zygomaticus major, a pair of muscles located below the cheekbones, is responsible for pulling up the corners of your mouth and creating a smile. This muscle, along with up to 43 other facial muscles, work together to produce the various expressions we associate with a smile.
While smiling doesn't directly involve bones, the zygomaticus major muscle attaches to the zygomatic bone (cheekbone) and the maxilla (upper jawbone). This connection allows the muscle to exert force and pull the mouth upwards.
Therefore, although bones aren't actively used in smiling, they play a crucial role in providing the structural support and attachment points for the muscles responsible for facial expressions, including smiling.
