Some people’s top lip may develop a slight crease or indentation known as a “dimple.” The philtrum is the vertical groove that extends from the base of the nose to the top of the upper lip; it is sometimes referred to as a “philtrum dimple” or simply a “philtrum.” The philtrum, its purpose, and why some people have a lip dimples will all be covered in this article.
Philtrum
The medial cleft, also known as the philtrum (Latin: philtrum, from Ancient Greek: v phltron, lit. “love charm”), is a vertical indentation that runs from the nasal septum to the upper lip’s tubercle in humans. It is a feature shared by therian mammals. It is hypothesized that, together with a glandular rhinarium and slit-like nostrils, it makes up the basic state for at least therian mammals. Monotremes lack a philtrum, however, this could be because live species have specialized jaws that resemble beaks.
Purpose
Below the nasal septum, the upper lip is distinguished by a symmetrical pair of paramedian vertical philtral ridges that border the center depression known as the philtrum. A distinctive blend of dermal collagen and thick elastic tissue creates the philtral ridges and the philtrum. Age-related loss of flexibility makes the philtrum look less prominent. The philtrum is thought to act as a source of extra skin that may be recruited for oral movements that call for extending the top lip. The tubercle or procheilon is the term for the fleshy fullness that lies behind the inferior edge of the philtrum, which creates the downward arch of the cupid’s bow. The white roll, a 2 to 3 mm light convexity that surrounds the vermilion margins of the upper and lower lips, is created by the bulging of the orbicularis oris muscle that lies beneath. The frenulum labii superioris and inferioris, link the upper and lower lips to the gums, respectively.
The nasal septum, upper lip, and maxilla all converge at the philtrum, which is an important facial feature. Throughout fetal development, the philtrum helps to shape the face and produce facial symmetry.
One of the major functions of the philtrum is to aid in infant feeding. The placement of the philtrum aids in directing the milk into the mouth, making it easier for the infant to feed. The philtrum also aids in the development of speech. The placement of the lips and tongue about the philtrum affects some speech sounds.
Additionally, the philtrum serves as essential to face beauty. Many cultures find a well-defined philtrum to be attractive, and they frequently equate it with intelligence and good looks. The philtrum can be emphasized by cosmetic operations such as “philtrum enhancement,” which serves to achieve face symmetry and balance.
Overall, the philtrum is a significant facial feature that has both practical and aesthetically pleasing functions. While some individuals find the philtrum dimple to be attractive, it is vital to keep in mind that everyone is different and that there are many different types of beauty.