Levator Labii Superioris

Description

Seen in an oblique lateral view of the male face, the levator labii superioris alaeque nasi (often grouped with levator labii superioris, historically termed quadratus labii superioris) is isolated in red as it runs superiorly and slightly medially along the lateral wall of the nose toward the upper lip and nasal ala. Fibers arise from the frontal process of the maxilla, passing inferior to the medial canthus and anterior to the infraorbital margin, then blending with adjacent slips at the nasolabial fold. Surrounding muscles of facial expression remain in grayscale, including the orbicularis oculi superiorly and the perioral musculature around the oral fissure, with the auricle rendered pale to separate it from the facial planes. Fiber direction is clear. Functionally, this slip links upper lip elevation with alar movement. Small muscle, big effect. Its relationship to the angular vessels and the infraorbital neurovascular bundle makes this view practical when teaching safe injection planes for nasolabial fold filler, upper lip augmentation, or botulinum toxin placed too medial, where diffusion can alter upper lip elevation and asymmetry during smiling. The course also helps explain why perinasal scarring or maxillary fractures near the frontal process can tether the nasolabial fold and distort alar flare. Facial anatomy instructors can drop this plate into head and neck anatomy labs, dental education modules on perioral landmarks, and plastic surgery or ENT teaching files covering rhinoplasty, cleft lip repair, and perinasal reconstruction where muscular reapproximation influences postoperative animation. Medical publishers will also find it appropriate for chapters on muscles of facial expression and for patient-facing explanations of nasolabial fold dynamics in aesthetic clinics. Anatomical accuracy verified by SciePro's Medical Advisory Board.