Levator anguli oris

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Muscle of the human body

The levator anguli oris is a muscle of the human body that is involved in facial expression. It is one of the muscles of the mouth and is responsible for elevating the angle of the mouth, which contributes to expressions such as smiling.

Anatomy

The levator anguli oris originates from the canine fossa of the maxilla, which is located just below the infraorbital foramen. It inserts into the modiolus at the angle of the mouth, where it intermingles with fibers of other muscles such as the orbicularis oris and the zygomaticus major.

Blood Supply

The muscle receives its blood supply from the facial artery, which is a branch of the external carotid artery.

Innervation

The levator anguli oris is innervated by the buccal branches of the facial nerve (cranial nerve VII).

Function

The primary function of the levator anguli oris is to elevate the angle of the mouth. This action is essential for expressions such as smiling and laughing. It works in opposition to the depressor anguli oris, which pulls the angle of the mouth downward.

Clinical Significance

Dysfunction of the levator anguli oris can result in asymmetry of facial expressions, which may be observed in conditions such as Bell's palsy or after facial nerve injury.

See Also

• Facial muscles
• Facial nerve
• Facial artery
• Zygomaticus major
• Orbicularis oris

References

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