NIC Barber Written (Theory) ExamScientific ConceptsMedium
A barber is performing a facial massage and needs to apply pressure to stimulate circulation in the muscle responsible for closing the mouth. Which muscle should the barber focus on?
- AZygomaticus
- BFrontalis
- CTemporalis
- DOrbicularis Oris
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. Orbicularis Oris
The Orbicularis Oris is the muscle that surrounds the mouth, controlling its movements including closing, puckering, and shaping for speech. Stimulating this muscle would affect mouth closure.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. The Zygomaticus muscles (major and minor) draw the mouth upward and outward, as in smiling.
- B. The Frontalis muscle is in the forehead and raises the eyebrows.
- C. The Temporalis muscle is involved in mastication (chewing) and elevates the mandible, but not directly closing the mouth in the way Orbicularis Oris does for the lips.
Orbicularis Oris
A complex muscle that encircles the mouth, responsible for controlling lip movements such as closing, puckering, and pressing them against the teeth.
- Known as the 'kissing muscle'.
- Controls lip shape during speech.
- Is a sphincter muscle of the mouth.
Memory trick: The Orbicularis Oris is the 'Oral Ring' that closes your mouth.