Levator labii superioris
The levator labii superioris muscle is used when a person makes facial expressions. It is shaped like a broad, flat sheet that starts adjacent to the nose and extends to the zygomatic bone, which is more commonly referred to as the cheek bone. The angular head is formed by medial fibers and the head arises from the top portion of the maxilla's frontal process and passes in a downward direction, dividing into two lateral slips. One of the slips goes into the skin of the nose as well as the lower lateral cartilage, which is a plate that is flexible and thin and is situated under the lateral nasal cartilage. It is also referred to as the greater alar cartilage. The other slip blends into the orbicularis oris and infraorbital head after extending into the lateral portion of the top of the lip. In addition to making general facial expressions, the levator labii superioris muscle is primarily responsible for elevating the upper lip.
Written and medically reviewed by the Healthline Editorial Team
In Depth: Levator labii superioris