Levator Labii Superioris

Origin, Insertion, Action & Nerve

Attachments explained

The Levator Labii Superioris is defined first by where it attaches. Its origin is the more fixed anchor, usually the proximal or more stable end that stays put during contraction, while its insertion is the more mobile point that is pulled toward the origin when the muscle shortens.

Action & function

When the Levator Labii Superioris contracts, it produces the following movements: Elevates the upper lip; helps form the nasolabial furrow.

As part of the Facial Expression group of the Head & Neck, it works alongside neighbouring muscles to generate smooth, coordinated movement and to stabilise the structures it acts on.

Nerve supply & clinical relevance

The Levator Labii Superioris receives its nerve supply from the Buccal and zygomatic branches of facial nerve (CN VII).

Because a muscle can only contract when its nerve is intact, injury to the Buccal and zygomatic branches of facial nerve can weaken or paralyse the Levator Labii Superioris, impairing the movements it normally produces (elevates the upper lip). This is why knowing the innervation is central to localising nerve lesions in clinical practice.

How to study the Levator Labii Superioris (the OIANS method)

Place the levator labii superioris within the fan of upper lip elevators and fix its position by its origin along the infraorbital margin, above the infraorbital foramen. Because it descends straight into the upper lip, its action is simply to lift the lip and deepen the nasolabial fold; its name states the action directly, which makes it easy to recall.

Distinguish it from its neighbours by position: it sits between the long-named levator labii superioris alaeque nasi medially and zygomaticus minor laterally, and above the deeper levator anguli oris. All share the facial nerve (CN VII) via buccal and zygomatic branches, so once you order the elevators from medial to lateral, only their attachments differ.

Frequently asked questions

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