Which muscle is primarily responsible for facial expressions, particularly around the eyes?

The orbicularis oculi muscle is primarily responsible for facial expressions around the eyes. This muscle encircles the eye socket and plays a crucial role in various functions, including closing the eyelids, blinking, and squinting. These actions are vital for protecting the eyes from irritants and assisting in the expression of emotions such as surprise or happiness.

While other muscles mentioned have their own specific functions, they do not serve the same comprehensive role in facial expression around the eyes. For instance, the levator palpebrae superioris primarily raises the upper eyelid rather than contributing to facial expressions. The auricularis anterior is involved with the movement of the ear, and the procerus muscle helps in wrinkling the nose and conveying expressions, but none are as essential as the orbicularis oculi when it comes to the diverse range of expressions surrounding the eyes.