The philtrum is the vertical groove in the middle of the upper lip, running from the base of the nose to the lip border. Its two raised edges (philtral columns) form where the facial processes fuse during development.
| Location | Midline of the upper lip, between the columella of the nose and the vermilion border |
|---|---|
| Parts |
|
| Nerve Supply | Infraorbital nerve (sensation); Facial nerve (orbicularis oris) |
| Blood Supply | Superior labial arteries |
| Venous drainage |
|
| Lymphatic drainage |
|
A surface feature of the upper lip that reflects normal fusion of the facial processes.
A smooth, flat philtrum is one of the facial features of fetal alcohol syndrome. Cleft lip arises from failed fusion at the edge of the philtrum, and repair aims to restore its normal shape.
Failure of fusion of the upper lip at the side of the philtrum.
Prenatal alcohol exposure that can produce a smooth philtrum, thin upper lip and small eye openings.
This website uses cookies to enhance your experience. Some are essential for site functionality, while others help us analyze and improve your usage experience. Please review your options and make your choice.
If you are under 16 years old, please ensure that you have received consent from your parent or guardian for any non-essential cookies.
Your privacy is important to us. You can adjust your cookie settings at any time. For more information about how we use data, please read our privacy policy. You may change your preferences at any time by clicking on the settings button below.
Note that if you choose to disable some types of cookies, it may impact your experience of the site and the services we are able to offer.
Some required resources have been blocked, which can affect third-party services and may cause the site to not function properly.
This website uses cookies to enhance your browsing experience and ensure the site functions properly. By continuing to use this site, you acknowledge and accept our use of cookies.
