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Levator labii superioris alaeque nasi

The levator labii superioris alaeque nasi (Latin: musculus levator labii superioris alaeque nasi) is a muscle of facial expression that widens the nostril and elevates the upper lip, thus enabling the facial expression of snarling. It is classified as the nasal facial muscle.

Levator labii superior alaeque nasi, Nasal muscles, Facial muscles, Muscles of facial expression, Head muscles
Levator labii superioris alaeque nasi by Anatomy Next
Levator labii superioris alaeque nasi
OriginFrontal process of maxilla
InsertionSkin of ala of nose and upper lip
Action

Dilates nostril

Elevates ala of nose and upper lip

InnervationZygomatic branch of facial nerve (CN VII)
Blood supply Facial artery, infraorbital artery of maxillary artery

 

Origin

The levator labii superioris alaeque nasi muscle originates from the frontal process of the maxilla.

 

Insertion

The levator labii superioris alaeque nasi inserts into the skin of the ala of the nose and upper lip.

Origin and insertion of levator labii superioris alaeque nasi
Origin and insertion of levator labii superioris alaeque nasi by Anatomy Next

 

Action

Contractions of the levator labii superioris alaeque nasi dilate the nostril and elevate the wing of the nose and upper lip. This muscle is responsible for the facial expression that accompanies snarling.

Function of levator labii superioris alaeque nasi
Function of levator labii superioris alaeque nasi by Anatomy Next

 

Innervation

The levator labii superioris alaeque nasi muscle is innervated by the zygomatic branches of the facial nerve (CN VII).

 

Blood supply

Arterial blood is supplied to the levator labii superioris alaeque nasi via the facial artery and infraorbital branch of the maxillary artery.