buccinator

Facial muscle of the cheek. Origin: -> posterior portion of the alveolar portion of the maxilla & mandible & pterygomandibular raphe Insertion: 1) angle of the mouth 2) fibers also become insterspersed with horizontal fibers from the orbicularis Action: 1) flattens cheek 2) retracts angle of mouth 3) plays an important role in mastication, working with the tongue & the orbicularis oris to keep food between the teeth; when is paralyzed (Bell's palsy), food accumulates in the oral vestibule Innervation: facial nerve (CN VII)

References

Stedman's Medical Dictionary 27th ed, Williams & Wilkins, Baltimore, 1999