The facial muscles control facial expression and are innervated by the facial nerve (CN VII). The main muscles include:

• Occipitofrontalis: the occipitalis and frontalis muscles are sometimes collectively referred to as the occipitofrontalis as they are joined by an aponeurosis across the skull. They draw back the scalp and lift the eyebrows.
• Orbicularis oculi: wraps around the orbit and mediates blinking.
• Orbicularis oris: wraps around the lips allowing puckering.
• Levator and depressor anguli oris: elevates and depresses the corners of the mouth for smiling and frowning.
• Buccinator: forms the lateral walls of the oral cavity, prevents food from going between the cheek and teeth when chewing.
• Platysma: forms a superficial layer on the neck from collarbones to jaw.