Alberta Written Barber Practice Exam

Which muscle is responsible for drawing the corners of the mouth down, as in expressing sadness?

1. Orbicularis oris

2. Depressor anguli oris

3. Zygomaticus major

4. Buccinator

The correct answer is: Depressor anguli oris

The muscle that is responsible for drawing the corners of the mouth downwards, which is associated with expressions of sadness, is the Depressor anguli oris. This muscle is specifically designed to pull the corners of the mouth downward, creating a frown or sad expression. In contrast, the Orbicularis oris is a muscle that encircles the mouth and is involved in actions like closing the lips or puckering, but it does not contribute to the downward movement of the mouth corners. The Zygomaticus major, on the other hand, is responsible for smiling and lifting the corners of the mouth, which makes it the antagonist to the Depressor anguli oris. Lastly, the Buccinator is primarily involved in compressing the cheek against the teeth and does not play a direct role in the expression of sadness. Thus, the Depressor anguli oris is the correct choice when identifying the muscle that facilitates a sad facial expression.