The lower lip is called the labium inferius oris in anatomical terms, but commonly referred to as the "lower lip" or "bottom lip," with its red part being the vermilion and the border separating it from skin called the vermilion border.
The upper and lower lips are referred to as the labium superius oris and labium inferius oris, respectively.
The muscular fold bounding the opening of the mouth inferiorly. Synonym: labium inferius oris.
The inferior limit of the lips in the central region is the mentolabial sulcus.
The upper lip (labium superioris) is superior in name only since it is actually somewhat smaller than its partner, the lower lip (labium inferioris).
Whether your lips are full, thin, round, or bow-shaped, there are plenty of ways to make the most of your natural lip features. In this guide, we'll take you through the different types of lips, how to identify your own lip shape, and makeup tips to highlight your best features.
Superficial anatomy
The lower lip extends from the superior free vermilion edge superiorly, to the commissures laterally, and to the mandible inferiorly. Around the circumferential vermilion-skin border, a fine line of pale skin accentuates the color difference between the vermilion and normal skin.
Frenum (Frenulum in Mouth) A frenum is a small piece of connective tissue that joins two structures. You have two types of oral frenums — one that connects your lips to your gums, and one that connects your tongue to the floor of your mouth. They give support to your lips and tongue.
The philtrum is the midline groove in the upper lip that runs from the top of the lip to the nose. The way the philtrum appears is determined genetically. In some syndromes this grove is shortened.
The leading four causes are allergy, idiopathic, drug-induced, or hereditary. Allergies to food, insect bites, pollens, or radiocontrast media can be life-threatening as they can cause throat swelling and affect breathing [17].
Vermilion: The vermilion is commonly known as the red part of the lips. Vermilion Border: Vermilion border is the rim of paler skin that separates the vermilion from the surrounding skin. Oral Mucosa: The oral mucosa is the mucosa membrane lining the inside of the mouth.
One of the Old English names for “lip” was, apparently, werula. It came down to us in the plural form weleras and weoleras, with l and r playing leapfrog (the technical term for this common change is metathesis). The word was known widely.
An oral mucocele is a painless fluid-filled cyst on the inner surface of your mouth. Also known as a mucous cyst, these harmless blisters appear most often on the inner part of your lower lip. They can also affect your inner cheeks, tongue, gums and the floor of your mouth.
Biologically, certain physical features like heavy lower lips are believed to signal health and reproductive fitness, making them inherently attractive across cultures and generations.
Sometimes the lower lip catches behind the upper incisors pushing them forwards even further. This is termed a lip trap. In other cases, upper incisor protrusion may be caused by a digit sucking habit.
Bottom lip kisses involve kissing the lower lip of your partner. Chambers says “[a] bottom lip kiss has more substance to it.” X Expert Source David Chambers. Dating and Relationship Coach Expert Interview. Bottom lip kisses are considered more sensual and deep because they generally involve opening the mouth.
Philtrum. The philtrum is that vertical groove above the upper lip. It usually comes from the edges of the columella down to the apex of the cupid's bow. Some patients have a more triangular philtrum while others have more of a rectangular philtrum.
This is called the medial cleft, or philtrum. It is made up of the philtral dimple that is nestled between the two philtral columns. The philtral columns are the “lines” on each side of the philtral dimple and typically line up perfectly with the raised curves of the Cupid's bow.
The philtrum is a leftover of facial development. The growth of the face starts from the back of the head and the two sides fuse down the midline of the face. The philtrum is sort of a “scar” of that fusion. So any disease that interferes with this process could result in a loss of this feature.
This tissue is called the upper labial frenulum. The main symptom is oozing tiny amounts of blood. This cut always heals perfectly without sutures. For bleeding from the frenulum, use direct pressure.
Labium inferius oris
The lower lip covers the anterior surface of the body of the mandible. Inferiorly, the lower lip is covered over by hairy skin.
Orofacial myologists deserve much credit for the current focus on the identification and treatment of floppy, flaccid (soft, weak, lax, lack of normal muscle tone) lips that account for lip incompetence in many individuals. The lower lip is more likely to show flaccidity than the upper lip.
Common Lip Problems
Slang. impudent talk; back talk. Don't give me any of your lip.