Levator labii superioris muscle
| Levator labii superioris muscle |
|---|
|
| origin |
| Maxilla, Os zygomaticum |
| approach |
| Upper lip |
| function |
| Lifting the upper lip |
| Innervation |
| Facial nerve |
The levator labii superioris muscle ("upper lip lifter") is a skin muscle of the head. In humans, the muscle is divided into three separate strands. They arise on the upper jaw and cheekbones and radiate into the upper lip . The muscle belongs to the mimic muscles and pulls the upper lip upwards. It is innervated by the facial nerve.
The front portion arises from the frontal process ( processus frontalis ) of the maxillary bone and divides into two strands, one of which radiates into the large alar cartilage of the nose, the other into the upper lip and the orbicularis oris muscle . The middle portion arises at the lower edge of the eye socket above the infraorbital foramen . The rear (side) portion arises from the cheekbone and radiates into the corner of the mouth.
Web links
- Entry on Musculus levator labii superioris alaeque nasi in Flexikon , a Wiki of the DocCheck company (animated muscle with skin that can be faded in and out)