Levator labii superioris alaeque nasi Muscle Anatomy

The levator labii superioris alaeque nasi muscle is translated from a Latin word that means “Lifter of both upper lips and wing of the nose “. It has the longest name of any muscle in the animal. 

Historically known as Otto’s muscle, it dilates the nostril and elevates the upper lip, enabling one to snarl.  Elvis paralysis is famous for his use of this expression, earning the muscle’s nickname “The Elvis muscle”.

Origin

The levator labbi superioris alaeque nasi muscle arises via the frontal process of maxilla Upper frontal process of maxilla. 

Insertion

It inserts in the skin of the lateral nostril and upper lip.

Nerve supply

The buccal branch of the facial nerve (VII) supplies the muscle.

Blood supply

Arterial blood is supplied to the levator labii superioris alaeque nasi via the facial artery and the infraorbital branch of the maxillary artery.

Muscle action

Dilates nostril and elevate upper lip. Mainly it supports facial expression. 

Strengthening exercise:

Instructions:

• Keep your face in a neutral position and simply raise your upper lip upward.
• You should feel a pull along the sides of your nose extended to almost the level of the pupils.
• Try not to squint your eyes. Hold this exaggerated position for 5 seconds.
• Rest and repeat.
• Start out with 5 reps per day and work up to 20 reps per day by increasing the number of reps each week.

Related pathology

In Bell’s palsy, levator labii superioris alaequae nasi muscle commonly causes paralysis.

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