What is the name of the muscle that compresses the cheeks and expels air between the lips?

The buccinator is the muscle responsible for compressing the cheeks and helping to expel air between the lips. This muscle plays a crucial role in various activities such as blowing, sucking, and chewing by keeping food positioned between the teeth and preventing it from accumulating in the cheeks. It is located in the lateral aspects of the face, forming an essential part of the facial expression and function. In activities such as playing wind instruments or blowing up a balloon, the buccinator is particularly important as it assists with the control of air flow.

The other muscles mentioned serve different functions. The corrugator is involved in frowning and is located in the forehead area, while the depressor anguli oris helps in lowering the corners of the mouth, contributing to a frown. The risorius is associated with the expression of smiling and pulling the corners of the mouth laterally. Each of these muscles has distinct roles in facial expression and movement, highlighting the specialized nature of muscular functions in the face.