Spry Juncture, LLC
How to Evolve Gracefully
Buccinator
Region
📷 Buccinator muscle animation small by Anatomography, via Wikimedia Commons, licensed under CC BY-SA 2.1 JP
📷 Buccinator by Henry Vandyke Carter, via Wikimedia Commons, in the Public domain
Origin & Insertion
['Origin: Alveolar processes of maxilla and mandible', 'Insertion: Fibers of orbicularis oris and skin of cheek']
Synergistic Muscles
['Orbicularis oris', 'Masseter']
Joints
['None']
Primary Actions
['Compresses cheek against teeth', 'Assists in chewing and blowing']
Nerve & Spinal Segment
Facial nerve (CN VII); buccal branch
Cranial nerve; originates from pons
Interesting
Essential for playing wind instruments and swallowing effectively. [Netter’s Anatomy Atlas]
Reversal of Action
Anchor cheeks while pulling tongue toward cheeks
Common Dysfunctions
Poor cheek control, drooling, speech difficulties
How to Stretch
Puff cheeks fully and stretch to side with fingers.
Trigger Points
How to Strengthen
Puff cheeks and hold against resistance (tongue depressor or straw).
Concentric Action
Compress cheeks inward (as in blowing)
Applications:
Useful in dysphagia therapy and speech articulation
Eccentric Action
Control return from puffed cheeks
Isotonic Action
Alternate cheek puffing and compression
Related Conditions
['Bell’s palsy', 'Facial trauma']
Isometric Action
Hold cheeks in compressed position
Exercise Ideas
['Cheek press-outs', 'Straw resistance blowing', 'Balloon inflation holds']