The secret of dimples lies in a variation of facial muscle structure, specifically the zygomaticus major muscle. These indentations are generally considered a genetically inherited trait.
Understanding Dimples
Dimples are visible indentations on the cheeks, often appearing when a person smiles. They're not present in everyone, making them a unique and often desirable facial feature.
The Role of the Zygomaticus Major Muscle
- Muscle Variation: Dimples are usually caused by a split or double zygomaticus major muscle. This muscle is responsible for pulling the corners of the mouth upwards when smiling.
- Skin Attachment: When the zygomaticus major splits, a band of tissue connects the muscle to the overlying skin.
- Indentation Formation: When the muscle contracts during a smile, this band pulls the skin inward, creating the characteristic dimple.
Genetic Inheritance
While not fully understood, dimples are considered an inherited trait. If one or both parents have dimples, there is a higher chance their child will also have them. However, the specific genes responsible for dimple formation have not been definitively identified, suggesting a potentially complex inheritance pattern.
Types of Dimples
Dimples can vary in their appearance and location:
- Cheek Dimples: The most common type, located on the cheeks.
- Chin Dimples: A single indentation in the center of the chin, caused by a similar split in the underlying muscle.
Are Dimples Permanent?
Dimples are typically present from birth, but they can sometimes appear later in life due to changes in facial structure. In some cases, baby fat can obscure dimples in infancy, making them more noticeable as a child grows. While typically permanent, changes in facial weight can affect the visibility of dimples.
In essence, the "secret" of dimples is a unique anatomical variation in the facial muscles, primarily the zygomaticus major, combined with genetic inheritance that causes a visible indentation in the skin upon smiling.
