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[[Image:Giraffe Lips.jpg|thumb|right|150px|Giraffe Lips - Copyright RVC]]

[[Image:Giraffe Lips.jpg|thumb|right|150px|Giraffe Lips - Copyright RVC]]

==Introduction==

==Introduction==

Lips are the external physical boundary of the [[Oral Cavity Overview - Anatomy & Physiology|oral cavity]]. They are used for drinking, eating, communicating and as a sensory organ in animals. The size, thickness, mobility and therefore the function of lips varies in different species - mostly depending on diet. Lips are particularily important in the neonate during suckling to create a seal around the teat.

Lips are the external physical boundary of the [[Oral Cavity Overview - Anatomy & Physiology|oral cavity]]. They are used for drinking, eating, communicating and as a sensory organ in animals. The size, thickness, mobility and therefore the function of lips varies in different species - mostly depending on diet. Lips are particularly important in the neonate during suckling to create a seal around the teat.

==Structure and Function==

==Structure and Function==

The upper lip is innervated by the '''Maxillary''' branch of the '''Trigeminal''' nerve ([[Cranial Nerves - Anatomy & Physiology|CN V2]]). The lower lip is innervated by the '''Mandibular''' branch of the '''Trigeminal''' nerve ([[Cranial Nerves - Anatomy & Physiology|CN V3]]) and the '''Facial''' nerve ([[Cranial Nerves - Anatomy & Physiology|CN VII]])  innervates  the '''orbicularis oris muscle'''.

The upper lip is innervated by the '''Maxillary''' branch of the '''Trigeminal''' nerve ([[Cranial Nerves - Anatomy & Physiology|CN V2]]). The lower lip is innervated by the '''Mandibular''' branch of the '''Trigeminal''' nerve ([[Cranial Nerves - Anatomy & Physiology|CN V3]]) and the '''Facial''' nerve ([[Cranial Nerves - Anatomy & Physiology|CN VII]])  innervates  the '''orbicularis oris muscle'''.

==Species Differences==

==Species Differences==

[[Image:Horse Lips.jpg|thumb|right|150px|Horse Lips - Copyright Fredrik Stark]]

[[Image:Horse Lips.jpg|thumb|right|150px|Horse Lips - Copyright Fredrik Stark]]

There is a smaller gape in herbivores and rodents, allowing a vaccuum to be created for sucking up water in drinking.

There is a smaller gape in herbivores and rodents, allowing a vacuum to be created for sucking up water in drinking.

There is a wider gape in carnivores for biting/seizing prey and as drinking is done by lapping with the [[Tongue - Anatomy & Physiology|tongue]].

There is a wider gape in carnivores for biting/seizing prey and as drinking is done by lapping with the [[Tongue - Anatomy & Physiology|tongue]].

===Equine===

===Equine===

Horse's lips are sensitive and very mobile for grazing and drinking.

Horse's lips are sensitive and very mobile for grazing and drinking

===Ruminant===

===Ruminant===

Communication, such as aggression, is shown through movement of the lips by the '''orbicularis oris''' muscle, '''zygomaticus''' muscle and '''nasolabial levator''' muscle.

Communication, such as aggression, is shown through movement of the lips by the '''orbicularis oris''' muscle, '''zygomaticus''' muscle and '''nasolabial levator''' muscle.

==Links==

 

|flashcards = [[Facial_Muscles_-_Musculoskeletal_-_Flashcards|Facial Muscles]]<br>[[Lips Anatomy & Physiology Flashcards]]

'''Test yourself with the [[Facial_Muscles_-_Musculoskeletal_-_Flashcards|Facial Muscles Flashcards]]'''

|powerpoints = [[Oral Cavity Histology resource|Oral cavity histology tutorial; the first tutorial features the lips]]

 

'''Test yourself with the [[Oral Cavity - Anatomy & Physiology - Flashcards#Lips FLashcards|Lips Flashcards]]'''

[[Category:Oral Cavity - Anatomy & Physiology]]

[[Category:Oral Cavity - Anatomy & Physiology]]