Philtrum
Philtrum
Philtrum (pronounced: /ˈfɪltrəm/), from the Greek word phíltron meaning "love potion", is a vertical groove in the middle area of the upper lip, common to many mammals, extending in humans from the nasal septum to the tubercle of the upper lip. Together with a glandular rhinarium and slit-like nostrils, it is believed to constitute the primitive condition for mammals in general.
Anatomy
The Philtrum is a residual reminder of our developmental time in the womb. It marks the location where the puzzle pieces of the face come together. The area is a junction point for the three main sections of a developing baby's face: the mouth, nose, and forehead.
Function
The Philtrum doesn't serve any physical purpose for humans, but it does have medical significance. It's a marker of fetal development and can signal potential problems or conditions.
Related Terms
- Cupid's Bow: The double curve of a human upper lip, resembling the bow of Cupid, the Roman god of erotic love. A pronounced Cupid's Bow can accentuate the philtrum.
- Nasal Septum: The bone and cartilage in the nose that separates the nasal cavity into the two nostrils. The philtrum extends from the nasal septum.
- Tubercle of the Upper Lip: The central protrusion of the upper lip, which together with the philtrum, creates the shape of the upper lip.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Philtrum
- Wikipedia's article - Philtrum
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