The largest number of muscles is located on the face. Their main distinguishing characteristic is that they have only one fixed end on the bone structures, and the second is woven into soft tissues, forming a mobile point of attachment. The contraction of the muscles of the face causes not only the work of the muscle itself, but, more importantly, provides displacement of the skin, the formation of folds and, located around the natural openings, ensures their certain functions. What is the function of the circular muscle of the eye and the circular muscle of the mouth, we will consider in more detail in this article.
What is the muscle around the eye
Before proceeding to consider the functions of this muscle, it is worth briefly dwelling on its structure, since each of its parts provides the performance of separate actions.
Anatomically, the circular muscle of the eye is represented by three sections:
- Orbital.
- Tearful.
- Century.
Orbital part
The function of the circular muscle of the eye (its orbital part) is to narrow the entrance to the orbitby simultaneous and unidirectional contraction of the fibers by lowering the eyebrow and raising the cheek. When the innervation of this area is affected, there is a lack of muscle contractions and a typical appearance occurs (open eye and lowered cheek).
Lacrimal part
The lacrimal part is represented by a small number of muscle fibers located between the orbit and the upper eyelid, which envelop the lacrimal sac along the way. With the contraction of this muscle, a sufficiently strong pressure arises on the above-mentioned sac, and a tear is extracted into the nasolacrimal duct. The function of the circular muscle of the eye (its lacrimal part) is better, the more the eye is closed.
Secular piece
Judging by the name, this part provides a reduction in the eyelids. The subtlety lies in the fact that there is a simultaneous closing of the lower and upper eyelids, respectively, by an average of 3 and 10 millimeters. The function of the orbicular muscle of the eye of this part also provides softening of the cornea with a tear.
As you can see, a rather small and non-massive muscle performs a number of important functions that ensure the normal functioning of the eyes and give our appearance certain features.
Circular muscle of the eye - innervation
The general innervation of the face, including the muscles around the eyes, is provided by the facial nerve. The neuromuscular conduction of this zone is mainly represented by its two large branches: zygomatic and temporal. Due to their large size and superficial location, they are often injured andbecome inflamed. As a result, the orbicular muscle of the eye cannot perform its functions and becomes completely paralyzed.
Tension around the eyes
The organ of vision is subject to heavy loads during the day. During wakefulness of a person, the circular muscle of the eye experiences quite a lot of tension. Working at a computer, watching videos and TV shows, reading and continuous visual load, bright light and a rapidly changing picture - overstrain the organ of vision and the muscle around the eyes.
Scientists have proven a direct relationship between the work of this muscle and the one that provides a change in the curvature of the lens. Thus, if the function of the orbicular muscle of the eye is impaired, there may be a violation of lymphatic drainage and venous stasis, up to an increase in intracranial pressure.
Therefore, you do not need to test your body for strength. With increased visual load, it is imperative to unload and rest. The most effective method of relaxing the circular muscle is a simple contemplation of nature, when the gaze is not fixed on one object, but perceives the overall picture.
Reflex movements to relax the muscles of the eyes is their rubbing. Although there are more effective exercises aimed not only at relieving spasm, but also at preventing and eliminating existing problems, which we will consider further.
Exercises for the circular muscle of the eye
Light exercises and small gymnastics of the muscles that ensure the functioning of the organ of vision will help not only unload and relax them, but also improve blood circulation in this area,which will certainly appear on the appearance, give it freshness, smooth out wrinkles and give the skin elasticity and youth.
What you need:
- 10-15 minutes of free time;
- good mood;
- wash your hands;
- stand in front of a mirror;
- follow the following guidelines.
Exercise 1
Stand in front of a mirror and visualize exactly where your orbicular eye muscle is located. Exercise to strengthen this zone does not require special skills and abilities. All that is needed is the correct placement of the fingers. On the outer edges should be index and middle fingers. You don't need to apply a lot of pressure. All movements should be soft, clear and unidirectional. Now, as it were, fix the skin with your fingers so that during the exercise it remains immobilized. In this starting position, lift the lower eyelid as high as possible. If at this moment the muscle tension around the eye is intensely felt, then the technique for performing the exercise is correct. Alternate tension with relaxation. Fixing the gaze 5-6 seconds, relaxation - 2-3 seconds. It is necessary to make 5-6 such repetitions.
Be sure to ensure that other facial muscles are not involved. If you feel their work, then just open your mouth (this will help not only to be distracted, but also to concentrate on the work of the desired zone).
Exercise 2
The following actions are aimed at maintaining muscle tone and preventing the appearance ofmimic wrinkles around the eyes. So, let's get started: close your eyes and forcefully close the upper eyelid to the lower one. When performing this exercise, in no case should you put pressure on the eyeball. Firstly, it is harmful, and secondly, you will use other muscles. And we need only the circular muscle of the eye to work. The functions of this muscle are multidirectional, so the effect of the exercise will also be significant.
After you learn to control yourself and close your eyelids correctly, place two fingers of the corresponding hand in the corners of the eyes. The force of pressing should be palpable, but in no case painful. At the same time, increase the pressure of the fingers with an increase in the force of lowering the upper eyelid. All actions should be smooth and enjoyable. In no case do not move the skin that is located under your fingers.
As you exercise, visualize what is happening, how the muscles around the eyes are contracting and relaxing. Fix, stop, count to ten in your mind and also smoothly perform the reverse action. Repeat the exercise five times, maintaining small pauses (only a few seconds) between them. Watch your breath. This will help to concentrate on the ongoing manipulations and make the exercise more effective.
For complete relaxation, you can turn on beautiful, calm music and combine business with pleasure. In order for the result to be noticeable not only for you, but also for others, the exercise should be done regularly. It is advisable to do them daily, alternating with each other.
Circular muscle of the mouth
Missing the complex structure of the circular muscle of the mouth, I would like to dwell in more detail on the functions it performs. It's no secret that thanks to our oral cavity, we can not only eat, but also talk, sing, laugh, etc. Doing these familiar things, we don't even think about how it all happens, what muscles are involved - everything happens reflexively.
The main function of this muscle is the work of the lips. Thanks to its contraction, we can stretch them into a tube, wrap, close or open. Also, the circular muscle of the mouth is a kind of external sphincter that ensures the closure of the oral cavity. Well, no doubt, thanks to the work of this muscle as well, each of us has a unique smile, which can change depending on mood or wishes.
As you can see, the function of the circular muscle of the eye and the circular muscle of the mouth are equally important, so do not neglect their significance, but do your best to make them work as expected.
Clamping the muscle around the mouth
If we are talking about functional clamps in this area, then they are quite common, but still amenable to correction with diligence and the right approach. Unlike organic lesions, when in 99% of cases, at least something will not work.
Functional clamps in this area are directly related to the psycho-emotional state of a person, his dislike for anything in question. As a resulta person using his lips expresses a certain emotion: resentment, disappointment, disgust, and so on.
Exercises for the circular muscle of the mouth
In order to train this muscle, it is only necessary, fixing the skin and not using any other muscle, to make alternately all possible movements of the lips. After completing one action, for example, stretching your lips with a tube, fix for a few seconds in this position. Do at least 3-5 reps before moving on to the next exercise. To enhance the effect of this exercise, while you stretch your lips into a tube, draw air into your cheeks and alternately move the air from one side to the other.
It is recommended to perform exercises in front of a mirror, as well as working with the circular muscle of the eyes. This will help you concentrate on your exercise and make it as efficient as possible.
To prevent the occurrence of wrinkles around the mouth or to eliminate existing ones, do the following exercise. Squeeze your upper and lower lips as hard as you can without clenching your teeth. With your index finger, make measured strokes along the midline of the lips. Then, with massaging movements (without relaxing your lips), move your lips up and down. Do 10 of these repetitions, alternating with complete relaxation of the lips and orbicularis oculi.
Another available exercise option can be a clear (with bright articulation) pronunciation of vowels. At the same time, not at allbe sure to do this exercise out loud, you can only imitate the movement of the lips. This option is suitable for office workers, when you can study without being distracted from work. There is no limit to this exercise.
Conclusion
Now you got to the most frequently asked question: "What is the function of the orbicular muscle of the eye?" - answer. Everything is quite simple: knowing where this or that muscle is located, you can determine the zone of its action.
With facial muscles, of course, everything is not as simple as with the muscular corset of our body, and not so much because of the size of the muscles themselves, but because of the attachment and actions described above.
The function of the circular muscle of the eye and mouth is to ensure the natural acts and performance of the respective areas. Knowing the minimum list of effective exercises and following clear recommendations, you can preserve youth and he alth for many years, which we sincerely wish you!
