Facial Landmarks

The facial landmarks can be visualized in Figure 2. These landmarks also form a benchmark for determining normal facial anatomy when performing an extraoral examination on a patient.¹

Figure 2. Facial Landmarks.

Figure 2. Facial Landmarks.

• Ala– Wing of the nose.

• Inner canthus of the eye– The inner corner of the eye.

• Labial commissures – Corners of the mouth.

• Labiomental groove – Area that separates the lower lip and the chin.

• Naris – Nostril.

• Nasal septum – Vertical separation of the nasal cavity.

• Nasiolabial sulcus – Groove that runs upward from the commissures of the mouth and the ala of the nose.

• Nasion – Midline junction between the eyes just below the eyebrows.

• Outer canthus of the eye – The outer corner of the eye.

• Philtrum – Vertical groove or depression in the midline above the upper lip.

• Tragus – Triangle flap of cartilage that is at the external opening of the ear.

• Tubercle of the lip – Midline of the upper lip that has a small tissue projection.

• Vermillion border – Where the skin and lips meet.

• Vermillion zone – The reddish portion of the lips.