Abstracts

From the smiling Mona Lisa to Lon Cheney's 1000 faces

Leonardo Da Vinci Conference

From the smiling Mona Lisa to Lon Cheney's 1000 facesProf. Nathan Gadoth, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University


Abstract

Our facial expressions can be emotional or voluntary. Their features are influenced by the structure of the bony face, soft tissue, the delicate musculature and their highly sophisticated innervation. Although facial structures differ between individuals, the facial expression of various emotions are quite similar regardless of age, gender and ethnic origin. The neural circuits responsible for facial mimics and the responsible musculature will be mentioned and conditions where those expressions are lost due to disease will be described. Some evolutional long time agreed upon concepts of the neuro-biology of facial expression will be challenged in view of recent research.