Human Skull

On top of the skull, but under the skin is a series of thin muscle groups, the largest of which is the Massitar between the jaw and the cheekbone. Each set of these muscles is capable of pulling the sectors of the face into various directions, which provides us with the means to create our expressions. (Don’t try to tell me you haven’t stood in front of a mirror and pulled faces at yourself.)

Facial Muscles

To better demonstrate this, next time you are in the bathroom, look in the mirror and try several exercises. First, smile broadly, and then mouth the word “Charge”. Try expressing Fear and Anger, Frown and Squint as if you are trying to make something out at a distance.  In all of these exercises you will see how the facial shape changes considerably. In Fear the eyes widen dramatically, sometimes becoming circular instead of the normal oval shape.  (And if someone in your family comes in during these exercises you can see what you look like when embarrassed as well!)

Faces Page 3