The buccinator is a muscle of which the bulk of is located in the cheeks. It arises from the alveolar processes of the maxillary bone and mandible and inserts in the fibres of the orbicularis oris. It is innervated by the seventh cranial nerve, the facial nerve (VII). The buccinator compresses the cheeks against the teeth and is used in acts such as blowing. It is an assistant muscle of mastication (chewing).