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# Levator anguli oris

The levator anguli oris is a small facial muscle running from under the cheek to the corner of the mouth; it lifts the mouth corner.

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## What it is

A small muscle under the cheek to the mouth corner.

## What it does

Lifts the corner of the mouth.

## Key points

- The infraorbital nerve and vessels come out of the infraorbital foramen between this muscle (deep) and the levator labii superioris (superficial)
- One of the few facial muscles supplied from its superficial surface (with the buccinator and [mentalis](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/mentalis-muscle/))
- The canine space lies between it and the levator labii superioris: infection from an upper canine collects there

## Key facts

**Origin**
Canine fossa of the maxilla

**Insertion**
Angle of the mouth

**Action**
Lifts the mouth corner

**Nerve**
[Facial nerve](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/facial-nerve/) (CN VII): zygomatic and buccal branches

**Blood supply**
Facial artery branches

## Relations

**Superficial**
[Levator labii superioris](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/levator-labii-superioris/) and [zygomaticus minor](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/zygomaticus-minor-muscle/), with the infraorbital nerve and vessels emerging between them; the [facial artery](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/facial-artery/) and vein cross it

**Deep**
Canine fossa of the [maxilla](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/maxilla/), below the infraorbital foramen, and the [buccinator](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/bucinator/) lower down

**Below**
Modiolus at the angle of the mouth, where it blends with the [orbicularis oris](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/orbicularis-oris-muscle/) and [depressor anguli oris](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/depressor-anguli-oris/)

## How to find it

Lies deep, under the cheek, between the side of the nose and the mouth corner; it is felt pulling the mouth corner straight up when the person shows the upper canines in a sneer-like smile.

## Examination

- Smiling with the upper teeth shown: on a weak side the mouth corner and the nasolabial fold do not rise (zygomatic and buccal branches of the facial nerve)

## On imaging

Rarely seen on its own; on ultrasound or MRI it lies deep, arising from the canine fossa just below the infraorbital foramen. Its origin marks the canine space: contrast CT shows an abscess from an upper canine root spreading there, with swelling under the eye and of the nasolabial fold. CT, or cone-beam CT, also shows the tooth and the break in the bone where the infection started.

## Clinical notes

- Canine space abscess swells the cheek beside the nose and can close the lower eyelid; the angular and facial veins link this area with the [cavernous sinus](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/cavernous-sinus/) through the [ophthalmic veins](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/superior-ophthalmic-vein/)
- Infraorbital nerve block, used for upper-lip and cheek procedures, is aimed at the foramen just above its origin
- With the other lip elevators it shapes the nasolabial fold, which flattens in facial palsy

## Development

Second pharyngeal arch muscle.

## Test yourself

Think of the answer, then tap the question to see it.

## Between which muscles does the infraorbital nerve emerge in relation to the levator anguli oris?

Between the levator anguli oris (deep) and the levator labii superioris (superficial).

## Where does the levator anguli oris arise, and what is its action?

From the canine fossa of the maxilla; it lifts the mouth corner.

## Why is a canine space abscess dangerous?

Pus from an upper canine collects between the levator anguli oris and levator labii superioris; the angular and facial veins link this area with the cavernous sinus.

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Educational information, not medical advice. For any symptom, see a health professional.

## Its names

**Official Latin (TA2)**
levator anguli oris TA2 2084

**Official Spanish (DeCS)**
Músculo elevador del ángulo de la boca

**English (TA2)**
Levator anguli oris

**Also called**
levator anguli oris muscle · caninus muscle · musculus caninus

## Related

- [Facial nerve (VII)](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/facial-nerve/)

Sources: Terminologia Anatomica (TA2); [Anatomy, Head and Neck: Levator Anguli Oris Muscle](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK547688/); [Anatomy, Head and Neck: Facial Muscles](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK493209/).

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Representative model, for educational purposes only.

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License: CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). Cite as: DurgiPedia (durgical.com), https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/levator-anguli-oris/