N3 Anatomy and Physiology AY 2023-2024

• Affected muscles:

1. 1. Occipitofrontalis (frontal belly) - Draws scalp anteriorly, raises eyebrows, and wrinkles skin of forehead

   2. Orbicularis oculi - closes eye

   3. Zygomaticus major - helps in smiling

   4. Zygomaticus minor - raises the upper lip to expose upper teeth

   5. Levator labii superioris - raises upper lip

• Mechanism of muscle weakness:
  • Bell's palsy is caused by the damage or disease of the facial (VII) nerve, which can be caused by ear infections, ear surgeries that damage the facial nerve, or infection by the herpes simplex virus.
    
    
• Other symptoms the patient could exhibit:
  • Drooling
  • Difficulty in swallowing, and speaking
  • Dry eyes
  • Facial drooping
  • Difficulty in moving facial muscles

References:

Tortora, G. & Derrickson, B. (2017). Principles of Anatomy and Physiology (15th ed.). Wiley. https://handoutset.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Principles-of-anatomy-and-physiology-Wiley-2017-Derrickson-Bryan-H._-Tortora-Gerard-J..pdf.

Bell’s palsy - Symptoms and causes - Mayo Clinic. (2022, May 4). Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/bells-palsy/symptoms-causes/syc-20370028