The levator labii superioris alaeque nasi muscle is, translated from Latin

Latin

Latin is an Italic language originally spoken in Latium and Ancient Rome. It, along with most European languages, is a descendant of the ancient Proto-Indo-European language. Although it is considered a dead language, a number of scholars and members of the Christian clergy speak it fluently, and...

, the "lifter of the upper lip

Upper lip

The upper lip covers the anterior surface of the body of the maxilla.Its upper half is of usual skin color and has a depression at its centre, directly under the nasal septum, called the philtrum, while its lower half is a markedly different, red-colored skin tone more similar to the colour of the...

 and of the wing of the nose

Wing of the nose

The wing or ala of the nose is the lateral surface of the external nose that flares out to form a rounded eminence around the nostril. It is elevated by the levator labii superioris alaeque nasi muscle and receives sensory innervation by the maxillary division of the Trigeminal Nerve ....

". It has the longest name of any muscle

Muscle

Muscle is a contractile tissue of animals and is derived from the mesodermal layer of embryonic germ cells. Muscle cells contain contractile filaments that move past each other and change the size of the cell. They are classified as skeletal, cardiac, or smooth muscles. Their function is to...

 in an animal. The muscle is sometimes documented as Otto's muscle as the anatomist was frustrated with the name being so long and tedious to write.

Attachment

The muscle is attached to the upper frontal process of the maxilla

Maxilla

The maxilla is a fusion of two bones along the palatal fissure that form the upper jaw. This is similar to the mandible , which is also a fusion of two halves at the mental symphysis. Sometimes The maxilla (plural: maxillae) is a fusion of two bones along the palatal fissure that form the upper...

 and inserts into the skin of the lateral part of the nostril and upper lip.

Action

It dilates the nostril and elevates the upper lip, enabling one to snarl

Snarl

A snarl is a facial expression, where the upper lip is raised, and the nostrils widen, generally indicating hate, anger or pain. In addition to humans, other mammals including monkeys and dogs snarl, often to warn others of their potential bite. In humans, snarling uses the levator labii...

. Elvis Presley

Elvis Presley

Elvis Aaron Presley was one of the most popular American singers of the 20th century. A cultural icon, he is widely known by the single name Elvis. He is often referred to as the "King of Rock and Roll" or simply "the King"....

is famous for his use of this facial expression, earning the muscle this nickname "The Elvis muscle".

Mnemonic

The long name of muscle can make it hard to remember. A mnemonic to remember its name is, "Little Ladies Snore All Night." Snore- because it is the labial elevator closest to the nose.