2007-12-22 07:32:07 · 10 answers · asked by Anonymous in Science & Mathematics ➔ Biology
Lips are covers for a sphincter style muscle, similar to the anus. They are made of transitional cells running from squamous (the outer area) to mucosal (the inner area.) Fatty tissue can be found between the skin and the sphincter style muscle in varying degrees depending on the individual.
Edit: Hey academicjoq. Good job naming the sphincter muscle in the lips. I couldn't remember. What is that mnemonic for facial muscles? Ooh, Ooh, Ooh, To Touch A Young Venican Girl's Vagina and T*ts. Right?
2007-12-22 08:29:52 · answer #1 · answered by Pragmatism Please 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Both. there is a layer of fat under the skin, unless a person is truly thin. Under the fat are the muscles that we use to smile, frown, and other expressions that are responses from our brain. The muscles of the mouth are called the orbiculares oris, and are really important for how we present ourselves. One of the first things seen by another is your smile. It's a strong influence on how you are perceived.
2007-12-22 07:42:06 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
The orbicularis oris muscle surrounds the mouth. It's origin(s) (non-moving end) are the bones, the maxilla (upper jaw) and mandible (lower, moving jaw). Its insertion (moving end) is the soft tissue (some fat) of the lips. This muscle is what gives you the ability to pucker (like in kissing) your lips.
2007-12-22 07:56:29 · answer #3 · answered by academicjoq 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
i believe the lips have muscles beneath them, and have skin on the outside.
2007-12-22 07:34:40 · answer #4 · answered by uwillnomyname 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's got to be muscle without the fat.
2007-12-22 07:34:54 · answer #5 · answered by Cotton Candy Lady 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Actually, I work in the cosmetic field and I was always told that lips are membranes, not actual "skin" - that's why we don't use regular lotion on our lips - we use lip balm and such.
2007-12-22 07:36:57 · answer #6 · answered by RedRidingHood 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
according to my anatomy book, there is a thin layer of fat that get thicker as u move toward the chin. the rest is composed of muscle below and skin above
2007-12-22 07:44:47 · answer #7 · answered by xiangyustuy 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think it's fat and muscle, because you can "excercise" the muscles in your lips.
2007-12-22 07:35:16 · answer #8 · answered by Dutchess 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have a tribe of midgets beneath the skin of my lips.
I used to get called "wog lips" and "tractor tyres" when I was a child, perhaps that gives you a clue...
2007-12-22 07:36:54 · answer #9 · answered by Diogenes 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Botox
For the rest of us... buccinator muscle
2007-12-22 07:40:04 · answer #10 · answered by MrSandman 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋