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Surprise

Universal4 Action Unitsbilateralbrief duration

Eyebrows are raised and curved, eyes are widened, and the jaw drops open without tension.

FACS Breakdown

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AU 1Inner Brow Raiser

Creates oblique eyebrows, often associated with sadness or worry

eyebrowsdifficult difficultyInvoluntary
Muscle: Frontalis, pars medialis
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AU 2Outer Brow Raiser

Creates arched eyebrows, often seen in surprise

eyebrowseasy difficultyVoluntary
Muscle: Frontalis, pars lateralis
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AU 5Upper Lid Raiser

Widens eye appearance, shows more of the eyeball

eyeseasy difficultyVoluntary
Muscle: Levator palpebrae superioris
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AU 26Jaw Drop

Passive movement from muscle relaxation

jaweasy difficultyVoluntary
Muscle: Relaxation of Masseter muscle

△ Practice Tip

Surprise is a brief reaction to the unexpected. The key difference from fear is the lack of tension; there is no Brow Lowerer (AU 4) or Lip Stretcher (AU 20).

Common Confusion: Fear vs. Surprise

These are the most commonly confused expressions because both involve wide eyes and an open mouth.

Muscle Tension
High tension throughout face
Relaxed, open expression
Brow Position
Raised AND pulled together (AU 1+2+4)
Raised and curved, not pulled together (AU 1+2 only)
Mouth Shape
Stretched horizontally (AU 20)
Dropped jaw without horizontal stretch (AU 26 only)
DISTINGUISHING ACTION UNITS
AU 4AU 20

Quick Stats

TypeUniversal
Symmetrybilateral
Durationbrief
Action Units4

AU Summary

AU 1AU 2AU 5AU 26

Similar Expressions

mood_badFear
67%
sentiment_dissatisfiedSadness
17%
boltAnger
14%
sentiment_satisfiedHappiness
0%
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All Expressions

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