Orbiculaire

Orbiculaire is an anatomical term used to describe a muscle arranged in a circular pattern around an opening. The word derives from Latin orbicularis, meaning ring-shaped (orbis, ring, plus -cularis). In human anatomy, orbicularis most often refers to two well-known muscles: the orbicularis oculi around the eye and the orbicularis oris around the mouth.

Orbicularis oculi is a sphincter muscle that encircles the orbit and eyelids. It consists of orbital and palpebral parts, and sometimes facial or lacrimal-associated fibers are described. Its primary function is to close the eyelids, with the orbital portion providing forceful closure and the palpebral portion enabling gentle blinking. The muscle also aids tear distribution and, via fibers that compress the lacrimal sac, contributes to tear drainage.

Orbicularis oris forms a circular band around the mouth. Its fibers interdigitate with those of adjacent perioral muscles, allowing it to close and purse the lips, assist in articulating sounds, and help with actions such as whistling and kissing. The muscle plays a key role in maintaining lip seal during swallowing and in facial expression, and its tone can influence perioral wrinkles, especially with aging or smoking.

Clinical relevance includes impairment from facial nerve (VII) injury or surgical procedures, which can disrupt lip or eyelid closure and affect speech or drooling. Cosmetic and reconstructive approaches may address perioral or periorbital function and appearance, including procedures to reduce wrinkles or restore muscle balance. The term orbiculaire can also describe other circular muscles around openings in various contexts.