The buccinator muscle is a flat, rectangular muscle located in the cheek.
Definition: what is the buccinator muscle?
The buccinator muscle is a flat, rectangular muscle located in the cheek. It originates in the maxilla (upper jaw bone) and inserts into the mandible (lower jaw bone). Anteriorly, it also inserts into the orbicularis muscle of the lips. It is involved in chewing, swallowing, whistling (especially the practice of wind instruments), sucking and emptying the mouth. It pulls back the corners of the lips.