Facial Markings

Phisiognomy

The study of the structures and surface markings of the face and its features

Facial Markings

The characteristic lines (either natural or acquired), wrinkles, grooves cords and dimples of the face and neck

Wrinkle

(Furrow, Sulcus) A Crevice in the skin bordered by adjacent elevations

Groove

An elongated depression on a relatively level plane or surface

Fold

An elongated prominence adjoining a surface

9

Number of natural facial markings

11

Number of acquired facial markings

Natural Facial Markings

The markings which are present at birth, meaning they are hereditary

Acquired Facial Markings

Those markings that are most often develop throughout life as a result of the repetitious use of certain muscles

Hereditary

The genetic predisposition for similarities to our parents, siblings and other family members

Philtrum

(Natural) Vertical groove located medially on the upper (integumentary) lip.

Nasolabial Fold

(Natural) Projection of cheek adjacent to the corners of the mouth. Extends from the superior part of the posterior margins of the wing of the nose and the side of the mouth.

Nasal Sulcus

(Natural) Angular area between the posterior margin of wing of the nose and nasolabial fold

Oblique Palpebral Sulcus

(Natural) Groove inferior from medial eye area, moving laterally downward.

Angulus Oris Eminence

(Natural) Prominence at the lateral end of the lips. Found outside and slightly above the corner of the mouth.

Angulus Oris Sulcus

(Natural) Groove at the end of the mouth. Found immediately below each corner of mouth at the line of closure.

Labiomental Sulcus

(Natural) Junction of lower "fleshy" lip and superior chin area. Appears as a transverse furrow.

Submental Sulcus

(Natural) Junction of inferior chin and submandibular area. Appears as an elongated, transverse furrow. Found under the base of the chin.

Dimples

(Natural) Depression of lateral cheek or chin. Round or elongated.

Exposure to Sun

The main environmental factor that affects most people. Causes skin darkening, more lines and wrinkles, firmer and less supple skin

Standing erect

sagging is inferior

Lying supine

sagging is posterior and lateral

Nasolabial Sulcus

(Acquired) Origin is superior border of wing of nose extending to the side of the mouth.

Transverse Frontal Sulci

(Acquired) Furrows crossing forehead. Caused by manipulation of the occipitofrontalis muscle.

Interciliary Sulci

(Acquired) Vertical and/or transverse furrows between the eyebrow.

Vertical Interciliary Sulci

Caused by the contraction of the corrugator muscle.

Transverse Interciliary Sulci

Caused by the contraction of the procerus muscle.

Optic facial sulci

(Acquired) Crows Feet Wrinkles. Furrows at corner of the eye.

Superior Palpebral Sulci

(Acquired) Furrows of superior borders of the upper eyelid

Inferior Palpebral Sulcus

(Acquired) Furrow of attached border of the inferior palpebra

Bucco-Facial Sulcus

(Acquired) vertical furrow of the cheek

Mandibular Sulcus

(Acquired) Furrow beneath jawline. Rises vertically on the cheek

Labial Sulci

Vertical furrows of the lips. Extends from red lip to fleshy lip

Platysmal Sulci

Transverse dipping furrow of the neck.

Cords of the Neck

Vertical prominences of the neck

Importance of Facial Markings

If a person is to look natural their facial markings in death must resemble their facial markings in life.