Orbicularis Muscle: Definition, Anatomy & Functions

The word "orbicularis" comes from the Latin word "orbicularis", which means "circular" or "round".

It is most commonly used in anatomy to describe muscles that are shaped like circles or rings. For example, the orbicularis oculi muscle is a circular muscle that surrounds the eye, and the orbicularis oris muscle is a circular muscle that surrounds the mouth. Other orbicularis muscles include those that form the anal sphincter and the urethral sphincter.