A dimple (also known as a gelasin) is a small natural indentation in the flesh on a part of the human body, most notably in the cheek or on the chin.
| Dimple (Gelasin) | |
|---|---|
 Kirk Douglas has a chin dimple. | |
| Identifiers | |
| Anatomical terminology |
Contents
Characteristics
Cheek dimples when present, show up when a person makes a facial expression. A chin dimple is a small line on the chin that stays on the chin without making any facial expressions. Dimples may appear and disappear over an extended period. Professor McDonald, citing limited research, concludes dimples have been mislabeled as genetically inherited and as a dominant trait.[4] However, the University of Utah considers dimples an "irregular" dominant trait that is probably controlled mostly by one gene but is influenced by other genes.[5]
Anatomy
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.[3] 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.
See also
- Cleft chin
- Dimples of Venus
- Mendelian traits in humans
- Sacral dimple
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