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Levator labii superioris alaeque nasi muscle

The levator labii superioris alaeque nasi muscle is a slender, elongated facial muscle crucial for elevating the upper lip and dilating the nostrils, contributing to facial expressions like snarling. Located alongside the nose, it plays a vital role in facial aesthetics and nasal function. This muscle is often referred to as the “Elvis muscle” due to its involvement in the classic lip curl.

Synonyms

  • LLSAN muscle

  • Elevator muscle of the upper lip and wing of the nose

  • "Elvis muscle" (informal)

Function

  • Elevates the upper lip

  • Dilates (flares) the nostrils

  • Contributes to expressions such as disgust or sneering

  • Assists in deepening the nasolabial fold

Origin

  • Frontal process of the maxilla (upper part of the lateral nasal bone margin)

Insertion

  • Lateral slip: Alar cartilage of the nose

  • Medial slip: Upper lip, blending with fibers of the levator labii superioris and orbicularis oris

Nerve Supply

  • Facial nerve (cranial nerve VII)

  • Specifically, the buccal branch of the facial nerve

Artery Supply

  • Facial artery (particularly the superior labial branch)

  • Angular artery (terminal branch of facial artery)

Vein Supply

  • Facial vein

  • Superior labial vein

  • Angular vein

MRI Appearance

  • T1-weighted: Appears as an intermediate to low signal intensity structure compared to surrounding fat and skin

  • T2-weighted: Appears as an intermediate to low signal intensity structure

  • STIR (Short Tau Inversion Recovery): The muscle appears with low to intermediate signal, surrounded by high signal from subcutaneous fat and edema if present

CT Appearance

  • Thin, elongated soft tissue structure lateral to the nose and above the upper lip

  • Demonstrated as a soft tissue density band between the maxilla and nasal ala, best seen in high-resolution or contrast-enhanced scans

MRI images

Levator labii superioris alaeque nasi muscle -img-00000-00000