Corpus: Levator labii superioris alaeque nasi muscle

The Musculus levator labii superioris alaeque nasi is a superficially located muscle in the anterior cheek area or on the nasal slope that lifts the upper lip and the nostril. It is part of the mimic musculature.

The nomenclature of the mimic musculature is not standardised in the anatomical literature. The levator labii superioris alaeque nasi muscle is sometimes also addressed as the caput angulare of the levator labii superioris muscle.

Note: This muscle has the longest name of all human muscles. Literally translated, its name means "lifting muscle of the upper lip and nostril" or "upper lip and nostril lifter".

The levator labii superioris alaeque nasi muscle has its origin at the lower edge of the eye socket (orbit) or on the frontal side of the upper jaw bone (maxilla). The fibres run caudally along the nasal slope to the upper lip and the nostril, where they find their insertion. Some fibres of the muscle radiate into the orbicularis oris muscle.

The levator labii superioris alaeque nasi muscle is innervated by the rami buccales of the VII cranial nerve (facial nerve).

The levator labii superioris alaeque nasi muscle pulls the upper lip cranially, thereby exposing the upper incisors. It also lifts the respective nostril. The contraction of the muscle expresses disgust or contempt, among other things. The levator labii superioris alaeque nasi muscle is fused with the corium, which causes the skin to follow the muscle movements. It is therefore also responsible for the appearance of the nasolabial fold.