Face - LO 1

The face is the anterior-most region of the head, bounded superiorly by the frontal region, laterally by the auricular regions, and inferiorly by the inferior margin of the mandible (jaw). The face contains five openings: two palpebral (eye) fissures, two nares (nostrils), and one oral fissure. The majority of the muscles of the face act upon these openings. The anatomy particular to the palpebral fissures will be specifically addressed in Session 10 (Orbit & Cavernous Sinus).

The nose (and nasal cavity) is superior to the mouth (and oral cavity). The dorsum (bridge) of the nose extends infero-anteriorly to the apex (tip) of the nose, and this is flanked on either side by the ala of the nose, which partially surround the nares. The nares are separated by the nasal septum. The external, skin-covered portion of the nasal septum is the nasal columella.

The nasal region is separated from the oral region by the upper lip. The upper and lower lips surround the oral fissure. Lips have three areas defined by their surface tissue: skin, vermillion zone, and mucosa. The oral fissure is the gap between the upper and lower lips, which is flanked at each side by the angles of the mouth.

Skin folds may be visible between adjacent musculature. When present, nasolabial folds extend from lateral to the nose and curve toward the angles of the mouth. They are often referred to as ‘smile lines,’ and often deepen with age. When present, the mentolabial fold is a horizontal cleft between the lower lip and the chin.