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Levator Labii Superioris Muscle

By: Tim Barclay, PhD
Medically reviewed by: Stephanie Curreli, MD, PhD
Last Updated: Jun 19, 2015

The levator labii superioris muscle arises from the upper lip, carrying it a little forward. The zygomaticus minor is a small bundle of muscle fibers lying in the area of the cheek. The levator labii superioris alaeque nasi raises the upper lip and dilates the nostril. These three muscles, working together, form the nasolabial furrow, from the side of the nose to the upper lip, which is deepened in Continue Scrolling To Read More Below...

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Continued From Above... expressions of sadness. When these muscles work together with another tongue-twister, the levator anguli oris, the furrow deepens into an expression of contempt or disdain. The zygomaticus major is larger than the minor, but it also lies in the cheek area and extends down to the mouth. It draws the angle of the mouth upward and backward in laughing.