The number of muscles in the human face varies depending on the method of counting and what is considered a distinct muscle. Different sources provide different numbers.
Conflicting Numbers and Explanations
Some sources cite around 30 muscles on each side of the face, totaling approximately 60 muscles. [1, 2] This count may arise from considering smaller muscle groups or subdivisions within larger muscles. Other sources state there are 43 muscles in the face [3, 4, 5, 6, 7], while others state there are only 20 main facial muscles [8, 10]. The discrepancy stems from different methodologies of counting: some researchers count individual muscle fibers, while others focus on larger, more anatomically distinct units.
The Role of Facial Muscles
Regardless of the precise number, these muscles are crucial for a variety of functions:
- Facial expressions: These muscles allow us to convey a wide range of emotions through subtle and complex movements.
- Chewing (mastication): Certain facial muscles are involved in the process of chewing food.
- Speech: Facial muscles contribute to the articulation of sounds during speech.
The majority of facial muscles are innervated by the seventh cranial nerve (facial nerve), which is responsible for controlling their movements.
Conclusion
While there's no single definitive answer to the question of exactly how many muscles are in the face, the most common figures range from 20 to 43. The variations arise from different counting methodologies. The key takeaway is that the facial muscles are a complex network vital for essential functions like expression, chewing, and speech.
References:
[1] Anatomy, Head and Neck: Facial Muscles - StatPearls - NCBI ... https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK493209/
[2] Facial Muscles: Anatomy, Function & Related Disorders https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/body/21672-facial-muscles
[3] The 43 Muscles in the Face - Hands-On Physical Therapy https://handsonpt.org/the-43-muscles-in-the-face/
[4] How Many Muscles Does It Take to Smile? | HowStuffWorks https://science.howstuffworks.com/life/inside-the-mind/emotions/muscles-smile.htm
[5] A CONVERSATION WITH: PAUL EKMAN; The 43 Facial Muscles ... https://www.nytimes.com/2003/08/05/health/conversation-with-paul-ekman-43-facial-muscles-that-reveal-even-most-fleeting.html
[6] Human Faces Might Only Express Four Basic Emotions | Smithsonian https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/human-faces-might-only-express-four-basic-emotions-180949598/
[7] Muscular Dystrophy | National Institute of Neurological Disorders ... https://www.ninds.nih.gov/health-information/disorders/muscular-dystrophy
[8] Face - an overview | ScienceDirect Topics https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/agricultural-and-biological-sciences/face
[9] Why Smiling Is Healthy | Wilmington Orthodontics https://wilmingtonorthodonticsofma.com/why-smiling-is-healthy/
[10] How Many Muscles Are in the Human Body? Plus a Diagram https://www.healthline.com/health/how-many-muscles-are-in-the-human-body
