Muscular Anatomy of the Face

There are quite a few anatomy resources on the web, but not a lot that combine clear illustrations with pictures of the muscles in action. With the help of a patient model and a fine illustrator, I hope this resource helps clarify how the face can make so many expressions.

You will also find a link to my Craniometric Landmarks web app which is a part of my online forensic sculpture class.

Levator labii superioris

This muscle originates on the lower margin of the orbit to the upper margin of the Orbiularis oris. It is a wide flat muscle and its medial extent can pull the outer edge of the nostril up when contracting. We use this muscle when we sneer.


Anatomical Drawing by Daniel Maidman. Courtesy of the artist.
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