Levator Anguli Oris Beneath The Skin

Description

Positioned deep to the nasolabial fold, the levator anguli oris (also termed the caninus) is shown arising from the canine fossa of the maxilla, inferior to the infraorbital foramen and lateral to the piriform aperture. Its fibers course inferolaterally to blend at the modiolus near the oral commissure, interdigitating with the orbicularis oris and neighboring elevators such as the levator labii superioris. Laterally, the zygomaticus muscles frame the cheek, while the buccinator forms the muscular wall of the oral vestibule. Superficial soft tissues have been removed to clarify the muscle planes, with portions of the maxilla, zygomatic arch, mandible, and dentition retained as bony landmarks. Appreciating the levator anguli oris in situ matters when you need to explain how elevation and stabilization of the mouth corner is produced without over-recruiting the zygomaticus major. This muscle sits in the corridor traversed by branches of the facial nerve (buccal and zygomatic) and the facial artery as it approaches the angle of the mouth, a relationship that becomes practical in perioral laceration repair, local flap planning, and avoiding iatrogenic asymmetry. It also clarifies why midface swelling, maxillary fractures, or dental canine-space infection can distort the nasolabial region and the oral commissure. Use this artwork to support head and neck anatomy teaching in gross anatomy, dentistry, and facial plastics courses, or as a reference figure in texts discussing the nasolabial fold, modiolus anatomy, and smile dynamics. It also fits surgical counseling materials for facelift, perioral rejuvenation, and facial nerve injury patterns where small differences in vector create visible changes. Anatomical accuracy verified by SciePro's Medical Advisory Board.