Levator anguli oris

Levator anguli oris is a small facial muscle located in the infraorbital region, deep to the zygomaticus muscles and levator labii superioris. It lies deep to the nasolabial fold and contributes to movements of the angle of the mouth (modiolus region).

Anatomical characteristics

1. Origin

• Canine fossa of the maxilla, just below the infraorbital foramen.

2. Insertion

• Angle of the mouth (modiolus) — intermingles with the fibres of:

  • Orbicularis oris

  • Zygomaticus major

  • Depressor anguli oris

Innervation

• Buccal branches of facial nerve (cranial nerve VII).

• Zygomatic branches of facial nerve

Blood supply

• Facial artery (superior labial branch)

• Maxillary artery (infraorbital branch)

Action

The levator anguli oris elevates the angle of the mouth, as in smiling or laughing. It also assists in deepening the nasolabial fold, contributing to expressive facial movements.

• Mnemonic Tip: “Levator anguli lifts the lip” — remember its name and function both start with L (Levator–Lip).