Levator Labii Superioris Alaeque Nasi
Facial Expression · Head & Neck
The levator labii superioris alaeque nasi is the muscle with the longest name in the body, and its name specifies both of its jobs: it lifts the upper lip and the ala of the nose. It arises from the frontal process of the maxilla and descends as two slips, one inserting into the skin and cartilage of the lateral nostril (the ala) and the other into the skin and muscle of the upper lip. Contraction dilates the nostril and elevates both the upper lip and the wing of the nose, contributing to expressions of distaste (the classic sneer) and deepening the nasolabial furrow. As a muscle of facial expression it is supplied by the facial nerve (CN VII), through its buccal and zygomatic branches.
Origin, Insertion, Action & Nerve
Origin
Frontal process of the maxilla
Insertion
Skin of the lateral nostril (alar cartilage) and the upper lip
Action
Dilates the nostril and elevates the upper lip and the ala of the nose
Nerve
Buccal and zygomatic branches of facial nerve (CN VII)
Attachments explained
The Levator Labii Superioris Alaeque Nasi 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.
Origin
Frontal process of the maxilla
Insertion
Skin of the lateral nostril (alar cartilage) and the upper lip
Action & function
When the Levator Labii Superioris Alaeque Nasi contracts, it produces the following movement: Dilates the nostril and elevates the upper lip and the ala of the nose.
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 Alaeque Nasi 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 Alaeque Nasi, impairing the movements it normally produces (dilates the nostril and elevates the upper lip and the ala of the nose). This is why knowing the innervation is central to localising nerve lesions in clinical practice.
How to study the Levator Labii Superioris Alaeque Nasi (the OIANS method)
Let the long Latin name do the memory work: levator (lifts) labii superioris (the upper lip) alaeque nasi (and the wing of the nose). It descends from the frontal process of the maxilla and splits into two slips, one to the nostril and one to the lip, so it has two actions, flaring the nostril and raising the lip. Making a sneering face demonstrates both effects at once and fixes the muscle firmly.
Place it as the most medial of the upper lip elevators and contrast it with levator labii superioris and zygomaticus minor, which lie progressively more laterally. All three share the facial nerve (CN VII) supply via the buccal and zygomatic branches, so once you group the lip elevators together, only their positions and precise attachments need to be distinguished.
Frequently asked questions
Where is the Levator Labii Superioris Alaeque Nasi located?
The Levator Labii Superioris Alaeque Nasi is a muscle of the Facial Expression group, located in the Head & Neck.
What is the origin of the Levator Labii Superioris Alaeque Nasi?
Frontal process of the maxilla
What is the insertion of the Levator Labii Superioris Alaeque Nasi?
Skin of the lateral nostril (alar cartilage) and the upper lip
What movements does the Levator Labii Superioris Alaeque Nasi produce?
Dilates the nostril and elevates the upper lip and the ala of the nose
What nerve supplies the Levator Labii Superioris Alaeque Nasi?
Buccal and zygomatic branches of facial nerve (CN VII)
Is the Levator Labii Superioris Alaeque Nasi free to study in OIANS?
The Levator Labii Superioris Alaeque Nasi is always free to browse. Its full origin, insertion, action and nerve details are open to everyone in the Muscle Directory. Quiz and Flashcard practice for the Head & Neck is part of the one-time Lifetime upgrade, though; only the Upper Limb decks are free to test yourself on.
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