Levator Labii Superioris, Lateral View

Description

Running from the infraorbital margin of the maxilla to the upper lip, the levator labii superioris appears as a narrow, spindle-shaped slip on the anterolateral face, positioned inferior to the orbit and lateral to the nasal aperture. Superiorly it lies adjacent to the infraorbital foramen region, where the infraorbital nerve and vessels emerge, and inferiorly its fibers blend with the orbicularis oris and the soft tissues of the upper lip. Lateral bony landmarks include the maxilla and zygomatic bone anterior to the masseter, with the mandible and temporomandibular joint posterior and inferior; the cervical vertebrae and hyoid are included as deeper orientation references. A clean midface profile. Functionally, this muscle elevates and everts the upper lip and contributes to nasolabial fold expression, making it a frequent point of reference in facial nerve teaching: the zygomatic and buccal branches course superficially in the same region and are vulnerable during midface incisions and flap elevation. Surgeons and injectors also track its position relative to the infraorbital neurovascular bundle during infraorbital nerve blocks, open reduction of zygomaticomaxillary complex fractures, and perioral aesthetic procedures, where misplaced dissection or toxin can cause upper lip asymmetry. Its close relationship to the levator labii superioris alaeque nasi helps distinguish upper-lip elevation from nasal alar flare in facial palsy assessment. Use this lateral male head and neck view for gross anatomy lab manuals, head and neck modules in dental and medical curricula, and operative or procedural graphics covering infraorbital anesthesia, cleft lip and midface approaches, and facial expression musculature mapping. It also suits patient-facing education on facial nerve weakness and postoperative asymmetry. Anatomical accuracy verified by SciePro's Medical Advisory Board.