Levator Labii Superioris Muscle
Table of Contents
Levator Labii Superioris Muscle Anatomy
Origin
The levator labii superioris muscle has three points of origin that blend and passes into the upper lip.
- The angular head – levator labii superioris alaeque nasi – arises via the frontal process of the maxilla.
- The infraorbital head arises via the inferior orbital margin, it is the largest part.
- The zygomatic head – zygomaticus minor – arises via the facial portion of the zygomatic bone.
All three origins attach together within the upper lip and at the time of contraction, raise the upper lip. A strap of the angular head attaches within the ala of the nose and assists in the dilation of the nostril.
Insertion
The greater alar cartilage and skin of the nose; the other is prolonged into the lateral part of the upper lip, blending with the infraorbital head and with the orbicularis oris.
Superficial fibers attach to the skin of the nasolabial furrow, just lateral towards the wing of the nose. Other fibers travel inferiorly past the furrow and constantly attach up towards the red lip portion within the deep surface of the skin of the upper lip.
Middle fibers continue inferiorly just inferior to and parallel to the superficial layer. Then travels in the middle of the red lip as well as outer portions of the orbicularis oris, and attaches on the inside of the lip at the point where the dry red portion of the lip joins the moist mucous membrane, as well as within the red portion itself.
Deep fibers pierce the mass of the outer portion of the orbicularis, while it attaches at various points into the mucous membrane within the mouth.
Nerve supply
Zygomatic branch of the facial nerve (7th Cranial Nerve) supplies the muscle.
Blood supply
The levator labii superioris receives its blood supply from the facial artery and the infraorbital branch of the maxillary artery. The buccal branch of the facial nerve or cranial nerve VII innervates the levator labii superioris
Muscle action
The levator labii superioris muscle excavates the groove in the middle of the nose as well as the corner of the mouth at the time of making sadness.
Related pathology
Bell’s palsy.
FAQs
Origin and insertion
Just above the infraorbital foramen, the maxillary and zygomatic processes of the maxilla are where the levator labii superioris starts. Inferomedially, it runs up to the top lip before gradually tapering and taking on a triangular appearance.
A facial muscle known as the levator labii superioris, or musculus levator labii superioris in Latin, is situated above the upper lip and near the mouth’s opening.
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