Superior Lip Levator Under The Skin

Description

Beneath the facial skin of an adult male in lateral profile, the levator labii superioris alaeque nasi (angular head of quadratus labii superioris) is traced from its superior origin along the frontal process of the maxilla, immediately lateral to the piriform aperture, down toward the alar margin and upper lip. Medial to the muscle belly sits the nasal septum within the nasal cavity, separating the right and left nasal passages, while the muscle’s fibers course inferiorly and slightly anteriorly toward the nasolabial region. The maxilla and infraorbital rim are suggested through the semi-transparent overlay, placing the muscle deep to the superficial facial soft tissues and anterior to the nasal cavity. Short fascicles approach the alar cartilage and the vermilion border. This side profile offers a practical way to teach how a small, superficially placed mimetic muscle can influence both nasal valve geometry and upper lip position. Hyperactivity of the levator labii superioris alaeque nasi is a common contributor to excessive gingival display in smiling, and targeted chemodenervation requires a clear mental map of its maxillary origin and its relationship to the alar base. Injection too lateral drifts toward levator labii superioris, while a medial misplacement risks diffusion into the nasal musculature with unwanted changes in nostril shape. Landmarks matter. Facial anatomy courses and head and neck modules can pair this graphic with surface markings to link the nasolabial fold, alar base, and piriform aperture to the underlying muscle and nasal septum. It also supports surgical and aesthetic education around rhinoplasty planning, cleft-related nasolabial reconstruction, and botulinum toxin technique discussions where millimeters determine outcomes. Anatomical accuracy verified by SciePro's Medical Advisory Board.