Lips and Perioral Region Anatomy: Overview, Histology, Blood Supply (2024)

The lips surround the entrance to the oral cavity. They function to provide competence to the oral cavity during mastication and at rest. The lips affect uttered sounds that facilitate spoken language and provide changes of facial expression that facilitate unspoken language. They provide sensory information about food prior to its placement in the oral cavity. To accomplish the multitude of functions, lips require a complex system of muscles and supporting structures. ^{[1, 2, 3]}

Superficial anatomy

The upper lip extends from the base of the nose superiorly to the nasolabial folds laterally and to the free edge of the vermilion border inferiorly. The lower lip extends from the superior free vermilion edge superiorly, to the commissures laterally, and to the mandible inferiorly. Around the circumferential vermilion-skin border, a fine line of pale skin accentuates the color difference between the vermilion and normal skin. Along the upper vermilion-skin border, 2 paramedian elevations of the vermilion form the Cupid bow. Two raised vertical columns of tissue form a midline depression called the philtrum. The philtrum is located between the paramedian elevations of the vermilion and the columella above. The labiomental crease passes horizontally in an inverted U-shape across the lower lip, which intraorally corresponds to the depth of the gingivolabial sulcus.

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From superficial to deep, the layers of the upper and lower lips include the epidermis, subcutaneous tissue, orbicularis oris muscle fibers, and mucosa. In cross-section, the superior and inferior labial arteries can be observed as they course between the orbicularis muscle fibers and the mucosa. The vermilion is composed of nonkeratinized squamous epithelium that covers numerous capillaries, which give the vermilion its characteristic color. Numerous minor salivary glands can be observed on a histologic section of the lip. Hair follicles and sebaceous glands are located throughout the lip skin; however, these structures are absent in the vermilion. ^[4]

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Blood supply to both lips stems from the external carotid system. ^[5] The facial artery ascends from the neck over the midbody of the mandible just anterior to the insertion of the masseter muscle. The facial artery branches into the submental artery that passes under the mandibular body in an anteromedial direction. The facial artery ascends in a plane deep to the platysma, risorius, and zygomaticus major and minor muscles and superficial to the buccinator and levator anguli oris. This artery branches into an inferior and a superior labial artery, which course beneath the orbicularis oris and anastomose with the contralateral vessel. ^[6]

The superior labial artery usually branches from the facial artery 1.1 cm lateral (SD 0.43) and 0.9 cm (SD 0.20) superior to the oral commissure. The inferior labial artery branches from the facial artery 2.6 cm (SD 0.70) lateral and 1.5 cm (SD 0.45) inferior to the oral commissure. The facial artery then ascends in the nasolabial groove as the angular artery, forming branches to the nasal ala and anastomosing with the dorsal nasal artery. The facial and labial arteries communicate with the subdermal plexus through a dense population of musculocutaneous perforators. In contrast, the submental artery usually has only 1 main perforator, which penetrates the platysma and ramifies to supply 3-4 areas of the subdermal plexus.

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Lymphatic drainage from the upper lip is unilateral except for the midline. The lymphatics coalesce to form 5 primary trunks that mainly lead to the ipsilateral submandibular nodes, with some drainage also going to the periparotid lymph nodes. (See the image below.)

Occasionally, some drainage may be available to the ipsilateral submental lymph nodes. The lower lip lymphatics also coalesce to form 5 primary trunks that lead to bilateral submental nodes from the central lip and unilateral submandibular lymph nodes from the lateral lip.

The submental, submandibular, and parotid lymph nodes are the first echelon nodes for the lips. Submental nodes secondarily drain to ipsilateral submandibular nodes, and both submandibular and parotid nodes secondarily drain to ipsilateral jugulodigastric lymph nodes.

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The motor innervation to the perioral musculature uniformly is from the seventh cranial nerve. The facial nerve has temporal, zygomatic, buccal, marginal mandibular, and cervical branches. The buccal and marginal branches primarily supply innervation to the perioral musculature. Interconnection between the branches is common, with at least 4 connections formed after exiting the parotid gland. The fibers supply the majority of the muscles of the face from their undersurface. The exceptions are the 3 deepest perioral muscles, namely, the buccinator, levator anguli oris, and mentalis.

Skandalakis described partial innervation of depressor muscles by an anterior ramus of the cervical branch in addition to the primary marginal branch innervation. ^[7] Dingman and Grabb reported that in 100 dissections, the mandibular branches were superior to the mandibular border and anterior to the facial artery. ^[8] In contrast, Nelson and Gingrass found that multiple branches ascending from below the mandibular border provided frequent innervation to the lip depressors. ^[9] Nelson believed that any branch supplying the lip depressors should be classified as a mandibular branch, as opposed to Skandalakis' classification.

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The sensory innervation to the perioral region is from the maxillary and mandibular branches of the fifth cranial nerve. The infraorbital nerve, which is a terminal branch of the maxillary nerve, innervates the upper lip. This nerve exits the infraorbital foramen 4-7 mm below the inferior orbital rim on a vertical line that descends from the medial limbus of the iris. The nerve runs beneath the levator labii superioris and superficial to the levator anguli oris to supply the lateral nasal sidewall, ala, columella, medial cheek, and upper lip.

The lower lip and chin receive sensory innervation from branches of the mandibular nerve. The inferior alveolar nerve, a branch of the mandibular nerve, forms the nerve to the mylohyoid just proximal to entering the lingula of the mandible. The terminal branches of this nerve inconsistently supply the chin and region immediately lateral to it. The inferior alveolar nerve travels through the body of the mandible to exit from the mental foramen. The mental foramen is located below the apex of the second mandibular bicuspid with 6-10 mm of lateral variability. The mental nerve ramifies to supply the lower lip skin down to the labiomental fold and, occasionally, down the chin as well. The nerve is located in the submucosa as it exits the foramen and frequently is visible in this location.

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Knowledge pertaining to the structure called the modiolus is essential to understanding the insertions of the lip musculature. The modiolus is a tendinous thickening at each commissure that serves as an attachment site for several of the upper and lower lip muscles. ^[10]

The perioral musculature can be classified into 3 groups based on insertion. Group I muscles insert into the modiolus, group II muscles insert into the upper lip, and group III muscles insert into the lower lip. (See the image below.)

Group I muscles consist of the following:

• Orbicularis oris

• Buccinator

• Levator anguli oris

• Depressor anguli oris

• Zygomaticus major

• Risorius

Group II muscles consist of the following:

• Levator labii superioris

• Levator labii superioris alaeque nasi

• Zygomaticus minor

Group III muscles consist of the following:

• Depressor labii inferioris

• Mentalis

• Platysma

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Orbicularis oris

The orbicularis oris forms a sphincter around the mouth. This muscle purses the lips and presses them against the teeth upon contraction. The superficial portion of the orbicularis oris receives fibers from several other perioral muscles that insert into the orbicularis to provide fine movements of the lips. The deep orbicularis oris is responsible for the sphincteric action of the lips.

In cross-section, the orbicularis oris is composed of a long, vertical segment that curls outward at the superior and inferior free margins to form a marginal protrusion. The buccal and marginal mandibular nerves provide motor innervation to the orbicularis oris from its deep surface. In the upper lip, the orbicularis oris fibers decussate in the midline and have dermal insertions approximately 4-5 mm lateral from the midline, sparing the central region. This serves to pull the skin medially at these dermal insertion points, forming the philtral columns. The central region between the philtral columns is devoid of dermal attachments and is pulled into a concave depression.

Buccinator

The buccinator arises from the posterior alveolar process of the maxilla, the pterygomandibular raphe, and the body of the mandible and inserts into the modiolus. It functions to press the lips and cheek against the teeth. The buccinator receives motor innervation from the buccal branches of the facial nerve that enter the muscle on its superficial surface. The parotid duct pierces the buccinator after it crosses the anterior edge of the masseter muscle.

Levator anguli oris

The levator anguli oris arises from the canine fossa of the maxilla beneath the infraorbital foramen and descends vertically to insert into the modiolus. Its action is to superiorly elevate the commissure. Buccal and zygomatic branches of the facial nerve innervate this muscle. These branches enter the muscle on its superficial surface. The facial artery and infraorbital nerve travel in a plane on the superficial surface of the muscle.

Depressor anguli oris

The depressor anguli oris arises from the oblique line on the anterior mandible below the canine and premolar teeth. Its fibers pass superiorly and twist medially to insert on the modiolus. The marginal mandibular branch of the facial nerve supplies the depressor anguli oris and enters the muscle on its deep surface. The depressor anguli oris functions to depress and laterally move the commissure.

Zygomaticus major

The zygomaticus major arises from the zygomatic bone just anterior to the zygomaticotemporal suture line and passes inferiorly and medially over the buccinator and levator anguli oris to insert on the modiolus. Superiorly, its fibers are deep to the orbicularis oculi muscle. Inferiorly, the fibers are superficial to the facial vessels and facial nerve. The zygomatic and buccal branches of the facial nerve supply the zygomaticus major from its deep surface. Upon contraction, this muscle elevates and laterally moves the commissure.

Risorius

The risorius arises from the parotid fascia and passes medially and anteriorly in a transverse plane to insert on the modiolus. The buccal branch of the facial nerve enters the muscle on its deep surface, providing innervation. Upon contraction, the risorius draws the commissure laterally and produces the sardonic smile.

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Levator labii superioris

The levator labii superioris arises from the inferior orbital rim on the maxilla, deep to the orbicularis oculi and superior to the infraorbital foramen. Its fibers pass inferiorly to insert into the dermis of the upper lip skin and into the orbicularis oris muscle. Upon contraction, the levator labii superioris elevates the upper lip. The buccal branch of the facial nerve innervates this muscle.

Levator labii superioris alaeque nasi

The levator labii superioris alaeque nasi arises from the frontal process of the maxilla. Its fibers pass inferiorly to insert on the lateral nasal alar cartilage, the dermis of the upper lip, and the orbicularis oris muscle. The buccal branch of the facial nerve innervates this muscle. Upon contraction, the levator labii superioris alaeque dilates the nostril and elevates the upper lip.

Zygomaticus minor

The zygomaticus minor arises from the zygoma deep to the orbicularis oculi and just lateral to the zygomaticomaxillary suture. Its fibers pass inferiorly to insert on the upper lip. The buccal branch of the facial nerve innervates this muscle. Upon contraction, the zygomaticus minor elevates and pulls the commissure laterally. Its contraction contributes to the nasolabial fold.

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Depressor labii inferioris

The depressor labii inferioris arises from the anterolateral mandible and medial to the insertion of the depressor anguli oris. The depressor labii inferioris lies deep to the depressor anguli oris. The fibers pass superiorly to insert in a fan shape into the lower lip dermis and orbicularis oris. The marginal mandibular branch of the facial nerve innervates this muscle. The depressor labii inferioris acts to depress the lower lip and pull it slightly laterally.

Mentalis

The mentalis muscle is a paired central muscle of the lower lip. This muscle arises from the anterior midline mandible and inserts into the dermis of the chin skin. Intraorally, its insertion can be observed at the base of the midline gingivolabial sulcus, which deepens laterally to the centrally positioned muscle belly. Since its muscle fibers pass in an inferior direction, the action of the mentalis upon contraction is to elevate the lower lip. The insertion site of the mentalis fibers into the dermis can be observed in the pout expression. The marginal mandibular nerve innervates the mentalis.

Platysma

The platysma is a paired sheet of muscle in the anterior neck. The muscle arises from the fascia overlying the pectoralis major and deltoid muscles, and it inserts on the inferior border of the anterior mandible. The fibers cross superiorly just before reaching the mandibular border. The platysma is a lip depressor. The cervical branch of the seventh cranial nerve innervates the platysma.

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Babak Jahan-Parwar, MD Staff Surgeon, Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Southern California Permanente Medical Group, Baldwin Park Medical Center

Babak Jahan-Parwar, MD is a member of the following medical societies: Alpha Omega Alpha

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Keith Blackwell, MD Fellowship Director, Assistant Professor, Department of Surgery, Division of Head and Neck Surgery, University of California, Los Angeles, David Geffen School of Medicine

Keith Blackwell, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, American College of Surgeons

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Francisco Talavera, PharmD, PhD Adjunct Assistant Professor, University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Pharmacy; Editor-in-Chief, Medscape Drug Reference

Disclosure: Received salary from Medscape for employment. for: Medscape.

David W Stepnick, MD Associate Professor, Departments of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery and Plastic Surgery, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, MetroHealth Medical Center

David W Stepnick, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, American Medical Association, Society of University Otolaryngologists-Head and Neck Surgeons, American College of Surgeons

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Arlen D Meyers, MD, MBA Emeritus Professor of Otolaryngology, Dentistry, and Engineering, University of Colorado School of Medicine

Arlen D Meyers, MD, MBA is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, American Head and Neck Society

Disclosure: Serve(d) as a director, officer, partner, employee, advisor, consultant or trustee for: Cerescan; Neosoma; MI10;<br/>Received income in an amount equal to or greater than $250 from: Neosoma; Cyberionix (CYBX)<br/>Received ownership interest from Cerescan for consulting for: Neosoma, MI10 advisor.

Lanny Garth Close, MD Chair, Professor, Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons

Lanny Garth Close, MD is a member of the following medical societies: Alpha Omega Alpha, American Head and Neck Society, American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, American College of Physicians, American Laryngological Association, New York Academy of Medicine

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

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