Ylähuuli

Ylähuuli refers to the upper lip, the part of the face located between the nose and the mouth. It forms the upper boundary of the oral cavity and contributes to the contour of the mouth, including the philtrum and the vermilion border. The central part typically features a small tubercle, and the line where the upper lip meets the nose is the philtrum.

Anatomy and innervation: The upper lip contains the orbicularis oris muscle, supported by accessory muscles such as the levator labii superioris, zygomaticus minor, and levator anguli oris. The skin and mucosa cover the lip, with motor innervation supplied by the facial nerve (CN VII) and sensory innervation of the lip skin mainly via the infraorbital nerve, a branch of the trigeminal nerve (CN V2). Blood supply comes from the superior labial arteries, branches of the facial artery and related vessels.

Function: The upper lip plays a key role in speech and facial expressions, particularly in forming bilabial sounds (such as p, b, and m). It also helps seal the mouth during eating and drinking, assists in moisture management, and contributes to nonverbal communication and facial aesthetics.

Clinical and cosmetic notes: The upper lip can be affected by congenital conditions such as cleft lip, a defect that may involve the lip and palate and typically requires surgical correction. Age-related changes, trauma, and dermatological conditions can influence its appearance and function. In everyday use, the upper lip is a focal point of cosmetics, grooming, and expression.