# What is the lip muscle called?

The muscle around the mouth is called the orbicularis oris. Gray's Anatomy (1918) describes it as a complex sphincter-like muscle surrounding the mouth.

## What it means

- A complex sphincter-like muscle surrounding the mouth.
- Closes and purses the lips.
- Essential for speech, whistling, and kissing.

## Action steps

1. In the substance of the lips.
2. Blends at its corners with the other muscles of facial expression.
3. Not attached to bone.

## Sources

- [Gray's Anatomy of the Human Body (1918)](https://www.bartleby.com/107/)

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