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Buccinator

(Science: anatomy, muscle) origin, posterior portion of alveolar portion of maxilla and mandible and pterygomandibular raphe; insertion, orbicularis oris at angle of mouth; action, flattens cheek, retracts angle of mouth; nerve supply, facial. Plays an important role in mastication, working with tongue to keep food between teeth; when it is paralysed, food accumulates in the oral vestibule.

a muscle of the cheek; so called from its use in blowing wind instruments.

Origin: L, a trumpeter, fr. Bucinare to sound the trumpet.

Synonym: musculus buccinator, cheek muscle.