Why do some people have dimples?

Dimples are considered by many to be a symbol of a beautiful and cute face. These pit-like structures can be found on the cheeks and chin. Dimples on the cheeks appear especially when we smile, and the appearance of dimples on the chin does not depend on facial movements. The reasons for the formation of dimples on the chin and cheeks are different from each other.

Muscles on the face provide facial expressions and facial expressions. Zygomaticus major muscle is responsible for pulling the sides of the mouth sideways and upwards while smiling. The reason why dimples are formed on the cheeks is thought to be related to this muscle. Some studies show that zygomaticus major muscle has a dual structure in people with dimple. In people with such a muscle structure, the zygomaticus major muscle comes out of the cheekbone to which it is attached as a single structure. It then divides into two and connects to the rim. Studies show that in people with dimples, the lower bundle of the dual zygomaticus major muscle is attached to the dermis layer of the cheek skin.

In another view, the reason for dimples to appear is that the zygomaticus major muscle is shorter than in people without dimple. This is thought to be due to a problem during the formation of muscle tissues during the development of the embryo.

Dimples in the jaw arise from the fact that the right and left parts of the jaw bone and the muscles around the chin are not properly joined during the development of the embryo.

Children with dimples are also more likely to have dimples. Therefore, dimples are thought to be a genetic feature. However, it is not known exactly whether the emergence of this feature is controlled by a single gene.