Mentalis is a small conical muscle located at the tip of the chin, responsible for elevating and protruding the lower lip, contributing to expressions like pouting. It plays a crucial role in the fine motor movements of the lower lip and aids in articulating speech and expressions.
The name "mentalis" originates from the Latin word "mentum," meaning "chin," reflecting its anatomical position and function.
Without the mentalis, the ability to perform subtle movements of the lower lip would be impaired, affecting expressions and articulation, and interfering with actions such as drinking from a glass or managing facial gestures that require precise lip control.