Alec Titan
The upper lip is characterised by a symmetrical pair of paramedian vertical philtral ridges bordering the central depression known as the philtrum. The philtrum is believed to serve as a supply of additional skin to be recruited for oral movements requiring stretching of the upper lip. The upper lip also contains the orbicularis oris muscle, which is the principal muscle of the lips. This muscle is utilised in oral-facial expression, and its origination point is on the upper portion of the maxilla.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Intersection with lower lip | At the mouth angle, referred to as the commissure |
| Appearance | Symmetrical pair of paramedian vertical philtral ridges bordering the central depression known as the philtrum |
| Philtrum composition | Unique collection of dermal collagen and dense elastic tissue |
| Philtrum function | Believed to serve as a supply of additional skin to be recruited for oral movements requiring stretching of the upper lip |
| Muscle | Levator labii superiors (LLS) |
| Muscle function | Pulls the upper lip up to display teeth |
| Muscle function | Pulls the upper lip up to display gums |
| Muscle function | Elevates or depresses the upper or lower lip |
| Muscle composition | Part of the panniculus carnosus which form attachments with the dermis |
| Muscle composition | Principal muscle of the lips is the circumferential orbicularis oris |
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What You'll Learn
- The upper lip is characterised by a symmetrical pair of paramedian vertical philtral ridges
- The upper lip is formed by dermal collagen and dense elastic tissue
- The upper lip is pulled up to display teeth by the LLSAN muscle
- The upper lip is supplied with sensation by the infraorbital branch of the maxillary division of the trigeminal nerve
- The upper lip is part of the panniculus carnosus which forms attachments with the dermis
The upper lip is characterised by a symmetrical pair of paramedian vertical philtral ridges
The upper lip is also characterised by the presence of muscle groups that insert into the orbicularis to elevate or depress the lip. The principal muscle of the lips is the circumferential orbicularis oris, which functions primarily as a sphincter for the oral aperture. The peaks of each bow are the superior-most extent of the philtral columns, and are present due to the insertion of the orbicularis oris muscle to the skin of the lip. The philtral dimple within the columns is due to the relative lack of muscle in this area.
The upper lip is also characterised by the infraorbital branch of the maxillary division of the trigeminal nerve (cranial nerve V2), which supplies the upper lip. The upper lip is also utilised in oral-facial expression. Its origination point is on the upper portion of the maxilla and then inserts into the alar cartilage and levator labii superiors (LLS). It starts on the sides of the nose and runs lengthwise down the sides to the upper medial to the lateral portion of the lip. The constant pull on this muscle will deepen the nasolabial folds with time.
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The upper lip is formed by dermal collagen and dense elastic tissue
The upper lip also contains the philtrum, a subunit that should be preserved or reconstructed for optimal cosmesis. Surrounding muscle groups insert into the orbicularis to elevate or depress the upper or lower lip. The principal muscle of the lips is the circumferential orbicularis oris, functioning primarily as a sphincter for the oral aperture. The upper lip is also a superficial elevator muscle of the nose and the upper lip utilised in oral-facial expression. Its origination point is on the upper portion of the maxilla and then inserts into the alar cartilage and levator labii superiors (LLS). It starts on the sides of the noses and runs lengthwise down the sides to the upper medial to the lateral portion of the lip. The constant pull on this muscle will deepen the nasolabial folds with time.
The dermis originates from the mesenchyme that consists of a dense layer of connective tissue. The papillary region of the dermis is the upper layer and contains loose connective tissue and is characterised by dermal papillae that extend into the epidermis. It primarily houses small blood vessels, lymphatics, and sensory neurons. The papillary dermis is paler than reticular dermis and contains less collagen and elastin, but more matrix. The thin collagen and elastin fibres are more randomly arranged, with a high proportion perpendicular to the skin surface. The reticular dermis forms the bulk of the dermis. It is composed of prominent broad bands of dense collagen with intervening long thick fibres of elastin, which usually run parallel to the skin surface.
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The upper lip is pulled up to display teeth by the LLSAN muscle
The LLSAN is the target for treatment in the 'gummy smile'. The constant pull on this muscle will deepen the nasolabial folds with time, and it is an excellent treatment spot for the prevention of nasolabial folds.
The upper and lower lips intersect at the mouth angle, referred to as the commissure. This is the point at which several muscles involved in lip movement attach. The upper lip contains the philtrum, a subunit that should be preserved or reconstructed for optimal cosmesis. Surrounding muscle groups insert into the orbicularis to elevate or depress the upper or lower lip. The principal muscle of the lips is the circumferential orbicularis oris, functioning primarily as a sphincter for the oral aperture. The LLSAN works in conjunction with the upper lip's other muscles to elevate and evert the upper lip.
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The upper lip is supplied with sensation by the infraorbital branch of the maxillary division of the trigeminal nerve
The upper lip is also characterised by a symmetrical pair of paramedian vertical philtral ridges bordering the central depression known as the philtrum, directly below the nasal septum. The philtral ridges and the philtrum are formed by a unique collection of dermal collagen and dense elastic tissue. The philtrum is believed to serve as a supply of additional skin to be recruited for oral movements requiring stretching of the upper lip. The upper lip also contains the philtrum, a subunit that should be preserved or reconstructed for optimal cosmesis.
The orbicularis oris muscle inserts into the skin of the lip, causing the vertical bulges known as the peaks of the bow. The tubercle is the area of vermilion fullness at the central and inferior portion of the upper lip. The upper lip is also served by the levator labii superiors (LLS) muscle, which pulls the upper lip up to display teeth. In some cases, with a hyperdynamic muscle, the gums will also show.
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The upper lip is part of the panniculus carnosus which forms attachments with the dermis
The upper lip is a muscle of facial expression, and is considered part of the panniculus carnosus, which is a thin, striated muscular layer attached to the skin and fascia of most mammals. In humans, the panniculus carnosus is only found in a few places, and is not thought to be of any functional significance.
The upper lip is raised by the levator labii superioris, which starts on the sides of the nose and runs down the sides to the upper medial portion of the lip. This muscle is used to elevate the upper lip, displaying the teeth, and sometimes the gums. The upper lip also contains the philtrum, a subunit that should be preserved or reconstructed for optimal cosmesis. The philtrum is a central depression directly below the nasal septum, and is formed by a unique collection of dermal collagen and dense elastic tissue. As elasticity is diminished with age, the philtrum takes on a less prominent appearance.
The principal muscle of the lips is the circumferential orbicularis oris, which functions primarily as a sphincter for the oral aperture. The orbicularis oris is also responsible for the vertical bulges known as the philtral columns. The philtral dimple within the columns is due to the relative lack of muscle in this area.
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Frequently asked questions
The philtrum is a subunit of the upper lip that should be preserved or reconstructed for optimal cosmesis. It is characterised by a symmetrical pair of paramedian vertical philtral ridges bordering the central depression, directly below the nasal septum.
The principal muscle of the lips is the circumferential orbicularis oris, which functions primarily as a sphincter for the oral aperture.
The upper lip is supplied sensation by the infraorbital branch of the maxillary division of the trigeminal nerve (cranial nerve V2).
