The philtrum is the shallow vertical groove in the middle of the upper lip area. It sits between the base of the nose and the border of the upper lip. Most people have one, though it can look deeper, flatter, shorter, or more pronounced from face to face.
In everyday life, many people recognize this feature without knowing its name. For example, someone might point to the area under the nose and ask what that groove is called. In anatomy, the answer is simple: it is the philtrum.
The word also appears in a few common contexts:
- Anatomy: it names a normal facial feature.
- Art and portrait drawing: artists often include the philtrum to help the upper lip look realistic.
- Beauty and facial description: people may describe a philtrum as defined, soft, deep, or subtle.
A quick contrast can help: the philtrum is not the whole area between the nose and mouth. It is specifically the central groove. Knowing the term makes it easier to describe faces clearly and accurately.
