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The human nose is composed of several muscles that play a crucial role in facial expression and nostril regulation. These muscles are thin and challenging to visualize, but their preservation is essential for both nasal function and appearance. One of the primary muscles involved is the nasalis muscle, which comprises two components: the transverse section and the alar portion. The transverse section merges with the procerus at the bridge of the nose, while the alar part forms the nostrils. These muscles enable a range of facial expressions and help prevent the external nasal valve from collapsing during breathing.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name of the nose muscle | Nasalis muscle |
| Number of components | 2 |
| Parts | Transverse section and alar portion |
| Transverse section's function | Compressing the nasal aperture |
| Transverse section's other name | Compressor naris |
| Alar part's function | Dilating the nostrils |
| Alar part's other name | Dilator naris posterior |
| Nasalis muscle's function | Testing the zygomatic branches of the facial nerve |
| Nasalis muscle's blood supply | Superior labial, septal and lateral nasal branches of the facial artery, and the infraorbital branch of the maxillary artery |
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What You'll Learn
- The nasalis muscle is a paired facial muscle with two components: the transverse section and the alar portion
- The transverse section compresses the nasal aperture and is responsible for expressions of disgust
- The alar portion widens the nares and elongates the nose
- The depressor septi is a depressor muscle that pulls the columella, the tip of the nose, and the nasal septum downwards
- The Levator labii superioris alaeque nasi (LLSAN) is a superficial elevator muscle used for oral-facial expression
The nasalis muscle is a paired facial muscle with two components: the transverse section and the alar portion
The human nose has several muscles, one of which is the nasalis muscle. This muscle is a paired facial muscle that covers the dorsum of the nose and is the largest of the nasal muscles. It is superficial, which means it can be used to test the facial nerve, specifically the zygomatic branches.
The nasalis muscle has two components: the transverse section and the alar portion. The transverse section, also known as the compressor naris, originates from the maxilla, which is the bone of the upper jaw, and sits on the cartilaginous part of the nose. It extends down the sides of the nose and attaches to the maxilla just above the lateral incisive fossa. The transverse part is responsible for compressing the nasal aperture and wrinkling the nasal skin, which can be observed when reacting to a bad smell or when “scrunching” the nose.
The alar part, also called the dilator naris posterior, originates from the maxilla overlying the lateral incisor and attaches to the alar cartilage of the nasal skeleton. It draws the nares and the posterior part of the columella down and laterally, resulting in the widening of the nares and the elongation of the nose.
The nasalis muscle works in combination with several other muscles, including the procerus, levator labii superioris alaeque nasi (LLSAN), and depressor septi muscles, to create movement and expression.
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The transverse section compresses the nasal aperture and is responsible for expressions of disgust
The nose is composed of several muscles that play a role in facial expression and nostril regulation. One of these muscles is the nasalis muscle, which is responsible for compressing the nasal aperture and creating expressions of disgust.
The nasalis muscle has two components: the transverse section and the alar portion. The transverse section, also known as the compressor naris, originates from the maxilla (the upper jaw bone) and attaches just above the lateral incisive fossa (the groove for the upper teeth). It runs down the sides of the nose and merges with the procerus muscle at the bridge of the nose.
As the transverse muscle extends down the sides of the nose, it compresses the nasal aperture and is responsible for wrinkling the nose in an upward fashion, often referred to as "bunny lines." This movement is associated with expressions of disgust or when reacting to a bad smell. The constant pull on this muscle over time can deepen the nasolabial folds, which are the lines that run from the sides of the nose to the corners of the mouth.
In contrast, the alar portion of the nasalis muscle, also known as the dilator naris posterior, is responsible for widening the nostrils. It originates from the frontal process of the maxilla, just above the lateral incisor, and inserts into the skin of the ala (the outer wall of the nostril). The alar part pulls the nostrils and the posterior part of the columella (the vertical strip of tissue between the nostrils) down and out, resulting in the widening of the nasal aperture and elongation of the nose.
The nasalis muscle is a superficial muscle, meaning it is close to the surface of the skin. This makes it useful for testing the facial nerve, specifically the zygomatic branches. Additionally, the nasalis muscle plays a crucial role in facial expressions, particularly in displaying emotions such as disgust. By contracting the transverse section of the nasalis muscle, we are able to communicate negative olfactory stimuli, such as unpleasant odours, through facial expressions.
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The alar portion widens the nares and elongates the nose
The nose is a distinct subgroup of the muscles of facial expression, and it contains muscles that allow it to perform a variety of functions. One of these muscles is the nasalis muscle, which comprises two components: the transverse section and the alar portion.
The alar portion of the nasalis muscle draws the nares and the posterior part of the columella down and out, resulting in the widening of the nares and the elongation of the nose. The nares, or nostrils, are the holes that lead to the nasal cavities. The nasal cavities are the most cephalic part of the respiratory tract, and they are divided into two separate cavities by the septum, which is made of bone and cartilage. The widening of the nares allows for increased airflow and facilitates breathing.
The alar portion of the nasalis muscle is responsible for the widening of the nares and the elongation of the nose. This muscle starts on the sides of the nose and runs lengthwise down the sides to the upper medial portion of the lip. The constant pull on this muscle can deepen the nasolabial folds over time. When the lip is pulled upwards with the activation of this muscle, the nares flare.
The nasalis muscle is superficial, meaning it is located close to the surface of the skin. This makes it useful for testing the facial nerve, specifically the zygomatic branches. By stimulating the facial nerve percutaneously below the ear or with a monopolar needle inserted near the zygomatic branch, the response of the nasalis muscle can be evaluated.
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The depressor septi is a depressor muscle that pulls the columella, the tip of the nose, and the nasal septum downwards
The human nose consists of various muscles that contribute to its movement and function. One of these muscles is the depressor septi, also known as the depressor septi nasi muscle. This muscle is responsible for pulling the columella, the tip of the nose, and the nasal septum downwards.
The depressor septi is a depressor muscle, as implied by its name. It originates from the central base of the nose and connects to the upper lip. When activated, it causes the nasal alar to flare, resulting in a downward dip of the nasal tip. This action can lead to a droopy nasal tip, which is a common concern addressed through rhinoplasty surgery.
Rhinoplasty surgeons often consider reducing or cutting the depressor septi muscle to improve the appearance of a plunging or droopy nasal tip. This procedure is typically performed in conjunction with other techniques, such as cartilage grafts and sutures, to achieve the desired aesthetic results. However, it is important to note that modifying this muscle may also impact the dynamic functions of the nose, such as nasal respiration.
The depressor septi nasi muscle also plays a crucial role in nasal airflow and breathing. It reduces nasal air resistance by increasing air intake at the nasal vestibular flaps and stretching the membranous septum during inspiration. This action helps to improve nasal breathing and airflow dynamics. Additionally, the depressor septi nasi muscle contributes to the hypermobility of the nasal tip during speech and laughter, influencing facial expressions.
In summary, the depressor septi is a depressor muscle that exerts a downward pull on the columella, the tip of the nose, and the nasal septum. Its activation leads to a dipping motion of the nasal tip. While modifications of this muscle through rhinoplasty can address aesthetic concerns, it is important to consider the potential impact on nasal function and breathing.
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The Levator labii superioris alaeque nasi (LLSAN) is a superficial elevator muscle used for oral-facial expression
The Levator Labii Superioris Alaeque Nasi (LLSAN) is a muscle that starts on the sides of the nose and runs down to the upper lip. It is a direct tractor of the upper lip, inserting into the lip directly and acting on it without an intermediary. The LLSAN is a superficial elevator muscle of the nose and upper lip, used for oral-facial expression.
The LLSAN is responsible for elevating the upper lip and dilating the nostrils. It is also involved in modifying the nasolabial fold, or smile lines of the face. When the LLSAN contracts, it helps other buccolabial muscles to elevate and invert the upper lip, exposing the maxillary teeth and deepening the nasolabial lines. This function is important for several facial expressions, including smiling, smugness, contempt, and disdain.
The LLSAN is the target for treatment in the "gummy smile", where the hyperdynamic muscle causes the gums to show when the upper lip is pulled up. The constant pull on the LLSAN deepens the nasolabial folds over time, and it is an excellent treatment spot for the prevention of these folds.
The LLSAN is supplied with blood from the angular artery branches inferiorly and the infraorbital artery superiorly. The infraorbital artery diverges from the maxillary artery's third part, and the angular artery is a terminal branch of the facial artery. The facial nerve's zygomatic branch, with contributions from the buccal branch, innervates the LLSAN and other midfacial muscles.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, the nasalis muscle is a paired facial muscle that covers the dorsum of the nose.
The nasalis muscle is composed of two parts: the transverse section and the alar portion. The transverse part covers the dorsum of the nose and is responsible for wrinkling the skin and compressing the nasal aperture. The alar part dilates the nostrils as it pulls the ala laterally.
The actions of the nasalis muscle help to prevent the external nasal valve from collapsing, which is more noticeable during deep breathing and in emotional states such as anger. The muscle is also involved in facial expressions, such as the expression made when smelling something bad.
