Dimple
A dimple is a small natural indentation in the flesh on a part of the human body, most notably in the cheek or on the chin.[1]
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[edit] More about dimples
Dimples may appear and disappear over an extended period.[2] Dimples may play a role in sexual selection.[3] Some cultures, for example Asian and Indo-ethnic sub-groups, prefer dimples as a sign of attractiveness and veracity.[4] Dimples may be genetically inherited and have been called a simple dominant trait, but there is no scientific evidence for this.
[edit] Physiology
Dimples may be caused by variations in the structure of the facial muscle known as zygomaticus major. Specifically, the presence of a double or bifid zygomaticus major muscle may explain the formation of cheek dimples.[4] This bifid variation of the muscle originates as a single structure from the zygomatic bone. As it travels anteriorly, it then divides with a superior bundle that inserts in the typical position above the corner of the mouth. An inferior bundle inserts below the corner of the mouth.
[edit] See also
[edit] References
- ^ http://www.thefreedictionary.com/dimple
- ^ Am J Med Genet. 1990 Jul;36(3):376. Cheek dimples.
- ^ Pentzos Daponte, A.; Vienna, A.; Brant, L.; Hauser, G. (2004). "Cheek dimples in Greek children and adolescents". International Journal of Anthropology 19: 289. doi:10.1007/BF02449856.
- ^ a b Pessa, JE; Zadoo, VP; Garza, PA; Adrian Jr, EK; Dewitt, AI; Garza, JR (1998). "Double or bifid zygomaticus major muscle: anatomy, incidence, and clinical correlation". Clinical anatomy 11 (5): 310–3. doi:10.1002/(SICI)1098-2353(1998)11:5<310::AID-CA3>3.0.CO;2-T. PMID 9725574.
[edit] External links
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