Outer Lip Anatomy

Question 1

upper lip (labium superius)

Answer 1

the top portion of the mouth

Question 2

lower lip (labium inferius)

Answer 2

the bottom portion of the mouth

Question 3

philtral ridges/columns

Answer 3

the two raised lines that run from the base of the nose down to the upper lip, framing the philtrum (the central groove above the upper lip). These ridges help define the shape of the upper lip and contribute to facial expression

Question 4

vermilion border

Answer 4

the line where the lip color meets the surrounding skin

Question 5

cupid’s bow

Answer 5

the double curve at the center of the upper lip

Question 6

oral commissure

Answer 6

the corner where the upper and lower lips meet

Question 7

lip tubercles

Answer 7

small, rounded protrusion or bumps on the surface of the lips, especially noticeable on the upper lip; these subtle raised areas contribute to the natural texture and shape of the lips, often accentuating the lip’s fullness and contour

Question 8

lip creases or wrinkles

Answer 8

the natural vertical or horizontal lines and folds that appear on the lip’s surface, especially with movement or aging

Question 9

transitional zone

Answer 9

the area of the lips where the skin of the face gradually changes into the red, moist tissue of the lip; it’s the border region between the outer skin and the inner mucous membrane, often seen as the vermilion border

Question 10

oral fissure

Answer 10

the opening between the upper and lower lips - basically, the mouth opening; it’s the slit through the lips part to allow speech, eating, and facial expression