Muscles Used in Facial Expression

Abstract

Facial expression is the mirror of our emotions. We express ourselves not only in words but in facial muscle contraction as well hand and body movement and stature. Paralysis of facial muscles causes loss of expression of what we are trying to say or do. The muscles used in human facial expression were reported by Duchenne de Boulogne in 1862. His research was through the use of electrophysiological analysis stimulating each of the facial muscles and correlating the muscles stimulated with facial expression and taking photographs of the results. Facial muscle contractions are correlated to types of emotions. Surgeons should understand that not only can appearance be altered with motor nerve function loss but expression of emotions can also be altered.