Facial palsy primarily affects the muscles of facial expression. These muscles are controlled by the facial nerve, which is impacted in facial palsy.
Muscles Affected by Facial Palsy
The facial nerve innervates several muscles responsible for various facial expressions. When facial palsy occurs, these muscles can become weak or paralyzed. The muscles affected include:
- Frontalis: This muscle raises the eyebrows and wrinkles the forehead.
- Orbicularis Oculi: This muscle closes the eyelids.
- Orbicularis Oris: This muscle shapes the mouth and is used for puckering and whistling.
- Buccinator: This muscle flattens the cheek and assists in chewing.
- Platysma: This muscle tenses the skin of the neck and helps lower the jaw.
These nerves serve the muscles of facial expression, which include the frontalis, orbicularis oculi, orbicularis oris, buccinator, and platysma muscles.
Impact of Facial Palsy on Muscle Function
Facial palsy can significantly impact the function of these muscles, leading to:
- Difficulty closing the eye on the affected side.
- Drooping of the mouth.
- Difficulty with speech and eating.
- Loss of facial expressions.
