Washington Master Esthetics Practice Exam

What do the levator labii superioris and levator anguli oris do?

1. Decreases the angle of the mouth

2. Raises the angle of the mouth

3. Depresses the lip

4. Stabilizes the jaw

The correct answer is: Raises the angle of the mouth

The levator labii superioris and levator anguli oris are muscles located in the face that play a significant role in facial expressions, particularly those involving the mouth. The primary function of the levator labii superioris is to elevate the upper lip, which can help in forming a sneer or showing disgust. The levator anguli oris, on the other hand, elevates the corners of the mouth, contributing to a smiling expression. When these muscles contract, they raise the angle of the mouth, creating a smiling effect or a positive facial expression. This action is essential for non-verbal communication and emotional expression. Therefore, the correct answer highlights their role in elevating the angle of the mouth, which is integral for conveying happiness and engagement in social interactions.