Name 5 muscles which are affected and list its actions.
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Frontalis - raising of eyebrows and wrinkling of forehead
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Orbicularis oculi - blinking
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Orbicularis oris - motion of kissing, closes and protrudes lips, helps in speech
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Buccinator - mastication or chewing, whistling or blowing
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Platysma muscles - frowning
Describe the mechanism of his muscle weakness.
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Bell’s Palsy causes the paralysis of facial muscles, especially those used for facial expressions. It occurs when the facial (VII) nerve is damaged. In severe cases, this paralysis results in the drooping of the entire side of the face.
What other symptoms could the patient exhibit as a result of facial muscle weakness?
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Loss of taste, decreased salivation, loss of ability to close the eyes, trauma, tumors, stroke
Reference:
Tortora, G. & Derrickson, B.(2012). Principles of anatomy and physiology. John Wiley & Sons