What is the name of the muscle responsible for winking?

The muscle responsible for winking is the orbicularis oculi. This muscle encircles the eye and plays a crucial role in various functions, including closing the eyelids and facilitating blinking and winking. When the orbicularis oculi contracts, it allows for the quick closing of the eyelid, which is what occurs when we wink.

The orbicularis oris, on the other hand, is the muscle surrounding the mouth and is responsible for movements such as puckering the lips. The temporalis is a muscle involved in chewing and helps in moving the jaw, while the masseter is another jaw muscle that aids in mastication. Thus, the task of winking specifically falls to the orbicularis oculi due to its anatomical positioning and function.