The chin muscle or mentalis muscle (m.mentalis) is a powerful muscle in the lower part of the face, which is responsible for lifting and stretching the lower lip and tightening the lower jaw. It is also involved in maintaining the oval of the face and helps in shaping facial expression. This muscle is located in the front of the lower jaw and on the sides of the chin. However, due to its rather limited function, it is considered unused in most facial exercises. Despite this, some experts believe that this muscle can help improve the shape and texture of the face and is therefore worthy of attention. Below is an anatomical analysis of this muscle and a list of exercises.
The mentalis muscle is one of the most powerful muscles in the facial region of the head. It is divided into four parts, each of which has its own function.
The first part of the mentalis muscle is called the premaxillary or premalleus (pma). It is located on the inner surface of the cheek and extends to the base of the lower jaw, where it attaches to the other end of the mentalis muscle. The function of this part of the muscle is to lower the lower jaw down, open the mouth and push the lower lip forward. The second part of the mentalis muscle is called the postmaxillary or mentalius (ma). It runs from the posterior end of the trachea to the base of the lower jaw. The function of this part is to lower and extend the lower jaw, hold it in a calm position, as well as extend the lips and retract the tongue. The third segment of the mentalis muscle or pons (bma) consists of fibers that run along the anterior surface of the nasal septum and attach to the facial bone at the base of the nose. The role of this part is to bend the nasal septum, stretch the cheeks, and lift the lip upward and outward. The fourth segment is called the mental or terminal (jma) muscle, which begins at the anterior end of the submandibular muscle and is pulled down to open the mouth. Unlike previous segments, this part plays a small role in protraction of the mandible and maintains its position during speech and swallowing. Overall, the mentalis muscle plays an important role in facial iliacus anatomy, as its activity provides control over facial shape.