Zygomatic minor originates in the lateral part of the cheek bone (zygomatic arch) and inserts in the skin of the upper lip in the area midway between the corner of the mouth and the nasal wing. It acts to draw the skin of the lip between the philtrum and the lip corner obliquely upwards and laterally. Some experts do not distinguish the fibers of zygomatic minor as a separate muscle, but assign them as a head of levator labii superioris, suggesting that these fibers are difficult to distinguish from others in the area. 

Zygomatic minor is innervated by the zygomatic and buccal branches of the facial nerve (VII) and is supplied with blood by the facial artery.