Levator nasolabialis

The levator nasolabialis (a.k.a. the levator labii superioris alaeque nasi) is the most medial of the upper lip elevators. Its name literally means “the lifter of the upper lip and of the wing of the nose.”

Anatomical characteristics

1. Origin

From the frontal process of the maxilla, just medial to the nose.

• Relations: Being the most medial of the lip elevators, the levator nasolabialis lies medial to the levator labii superioris and zygomaticus muscles.

2. Insertion

By two slips:

• Medial slip inserts into the alar cartilage of the nose and the skin of the nostril (dilates nostril).

• Lateral slip inserts into the upper lip, blending with fibers of the orbicularis oris and levator labii superioris.

• Some superficial fibres from the lateral slip insert into the dermis of the nasolabial fold (deepening it).

Innervation

• Superior buccal branch of facial nerve

• Zygomatic branch of facial nerve

Blood supply

• Facial artery (superior labial and angular branches)

• Maxillary artery (infraorbital branch)

Actions

The lateral slip elevates and everts the upper lip, and contributes to the deepening of the nasolabial fold. The medial slip raises the wing of the nose upward and outward, helping to widen the nostrils.