Why do some people have Dimples? + more videos | #aumsum #kids #science #education #children

Dimples are dents on the skin. According to a popular theory, cheek dimples are caused by a facial muscle called zygomaticus major. It connects corners of our mouth to cheekbones. When we are happy, zygomaticus major contracts and pulls the corners of the mouth, making us smile.

However, in some cases, this long continuous muscle divides into two different bundles on its way down to the mouth. One of these bundles connects above the corner of the mouth. While, the other bundle connects slightly below and is also tethered to the cheek skin. So, while smiling, when both of these bundles contract, the lower bundle also pulls the cheek skin, thus creating a dimple.

What about dimples on the chin?

They are caused when two halves of the jawbone do not fuse together during embryonic development, resulting in chin dimples.