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Levator Nasolabialis (Left)
Muscular System

Levator Nasolabialis (Left)

Levator nasolabialis

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Quick Facts

Origin: Frontal process of maxilla.

Insertion: Major alar cartilage of the nose and the upper lip.

Action: Elevates and everts upper lip; dilates nostrils.

Innervation: Zygomatic and buccal branches of facial nerve (CN VII).

Arterial Supply: Superior labial artery.

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Origin

The levator nasolabialis muscle arises from the superior portion of the frontal process of the maxilla.

Insertion

The levator nasolabialis muscle runs inferolaterally, where the fibers divide into medial and lateral parts.

- The medial part of the attaches to the lateral portion of the major alar cartilage and the overlying subcutaneous tissue.

- The lateral part extends inferiorly and inserts into the upper lip where it blends with the surrounding muscles e.g., the orbicularis oris.

Actions

The lateral part of the levator nasolabialis elevates and everts the upper lip. The medial part dilates the nostrils (Standring, 2016).

List of Clinical Correlates

- Bell’s palsy

References

Standring, S. (2016) Gray's Anatomy: The Anatomical Basis of Clinical Practice. Gray's Anatomy Series 41st edn.: Elsevier Limited.

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