Buccinator Muscles, Lateral View

Description

Seen in lateral profile, the buccinator forms a thin muscular sheet in the cheek, spanning from the maxillary and mandibular alveolar processes and the pterygomandibular raphe toward the oral commissure where its fibers blend with orbicularis oris. Deep fibers run largely horizontal, lying medial to the ramus of the mandible and anterior to the masseter, which is typically shown more posterior and superficial along the angle of the mandible. Posteriorly, the buccinator relates to the pterygomandibular region, while superior and inferior margins align with the maxillary and mandibular vestibules. Bony context from the skull, including portions of the orbit and nasal aperture, orients the cheek against fixed landmarks. Functionally, this lateral view clarifies why the buccinator is grouped with the muscles of facial expression rather than the muscles of mastication: it compresses the cheek against the teeth to keep the bolus on the occlusal surfaces during chewing. Food pocketing in the vestibule after stroke-related facial weakness often reflects buccinator dysfunction, and this exact fiber orientation explains the deficit. A key landmark sits on its superficial surface, the parotid (Stensen) duct pierces the buccinator opposite the maxillary second molar, a common reference during intraoral examination and duct cannulation. Use this plate for head and neck anatomy teaching in dental, speech-language pathology, and medical curricula when contrasting buccinator with masseter and temporalis in mastication and facial expression modules. It also suits oral and maxillofacial surgery texts illustrating intraoral approaches near the pterygomandibular raphe and parotid duct relationships. Clear and teachable. Anatomical accuracy verified by SciePro's Medical Advisory Board.