Which muscle draws the corners of the mouth down, expressing sadness?

The muscle that draws the corners of the mouth down, expressing sadness, is the triangularis. This muscle, also known as the depressor anguli oris, is located at the corners of the mouth and plays a crucial role in facial expressions. When it contracts, it pulls the corners of the mouth downward, facilitating an expression commonly associated with sadness or frowning.

Understanding the anatomy of facial muscles is important in the field of esthetics, especially for procedures that involve facial rejuvenation or enhancement. Recognizing which muscles contribute to specific expressions helps professionals predict and manage emotional expressions in clients.

The caninus muscle, while involved in facial expressions, primarily assists in raising the corners of the mouth, contributing to a sneer. The risorius assists in drawing the mouth sideways, often associated with slight smiles or smirks. The zygomaticus muscle, on the other hand, is responsible for elevating the corners of the mouth into a smile. Therefore, these muscles do not function to create the expression of sadness but rather contribute to positive or neutral expressions.