Logan Steele
The nasalis muscle is a nasal muscle of facial expression. It is the largest of the nasal muscles and is made up of two parts: the transverse and the alar. The transverse part originates from the maxilla, immediately lateral to the nose, and attaches to an aponeurosis across the dorsum of the nose. The alar part originates from the maxilla, overlying the lateral incisor, and attaches to the alar cartilage of the nasal skeleton. The transverse part compresses the nasal cartilages, while the alar part widens the nasal opening. The nasalis muscle is also responsible for the expression made when smelling something unpleasant, often referred to as bunny lines.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Parts | Transverse and Alar |
| Transverse Part | Compresses the nasal aperture, wrinkles the nasal skin, and merges with the procerus at the bridge of the nose |
| Alar Part | Dilates the nostrils, widens the nasal opening, and draws the nares and posterior part of the columella down and laterally |
| Location | Found on each side of the midline |
| Origin | The second pharyngeal arch |
| Innervation | Buccal branches of the facial nerve (CN VII) |
| Blood Supply | Facial artery, terminal branches of the infraorbital artery, external nasal artery, and infraorbital branch of maxillary artery |
| Function | Facial expression, nostril flaring, and depressing the ala nasi |
| Use in Treatment | Cleft lip and cleft palate deformity |
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What You'll Learn
The nasalis muscle is used to test the facial nerve
The nasalis muscle is a nasal muscle of facial expression. It is a paired muscle that covers the dorsum (bridge) of the nose and is derived from the second pharyngeal arch. The nasalis muscle is comprised of two parts: the transverse and the alar. The transverse part originates from the maxilla, immediately lateral to the nose, and attaches to an aponeurosis across the bridge of the nose. The alar part originates from the maxilla overlying the lateral incisor and attaches to the alar cartilage of the nasal skeleton.
The transverse part of the nasalis muscle compresses the nasal aperture, causing wrinkles in the nasal skin, and is hence also known as the compressor naris. The alar part dilates the nostrils, pulling them down and out, and is therefore also called the dilator naris posterior. Together, these actions allow for nostril flaring, which occurs during breathing and is emphasised in emotionally driven situations. The alar part of the nasalis is also responsible for the expression made in response to a bad smell, sometimes referred to as "bunny lines".
The nasalis muscle is one of the key muscles that is not formed or inserted correctly in cleft lip and cleft palate deformities. During reconstructive surgery, the head of the transverse part must be identified so that it can be surgically sutured to the nasal septum. The origin at the maxilla may also be repositioned to improve symmetry.
The nasalis muscle is supplied by the facial nerve (VII) and can be used to test the facial nerve due to its superficiality. Specifically, it can be used to test the zygomatic branches.
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It has two components: transverse and alar
The nasalis muscle is a nasal muscle of facial expression. It is the largest of the nasal muscles and is comprised of two components: transverse and alar.
The transverse section merges with the procerus at the bridge of the nose and sits on the cartilaginous part of the nose. As the transverse muscle extends down the sides of the nose, it 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. It covers the dorsum of the nose and originates from the maxilla, attaching superolaterally to the incisive foramen. Its fibres then course superomedially, expanding into a thin aponeurosis at the bridge of the nose.
The alar part of the nasalis widens the nasal opening, drawing the nares and posterior part of the columella down and laterally, and elongating the nose. It originates from the maxilla, just above the lateral incisor. After a short superoanterior course, it inserts into the skin of the ala, superior to the lateral crus of the major alar cartilage. The alar part dilates the nostrils as it pulls the ala nasi (nostril wings) laterally, and is hence sometimes called the dilator naris posterior.
The nasalis muscle is one of the key muscles not formed or inserted correctly with cleft lip and cleft palate deformity. During reconstructive surgery, the head of the transverse part needs to be identified so that it can be surgically sutured to the nasal septum.
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It is the largest of the nasal muscles
The nasalis muscle is a nasal muscle of facial expression. It is the largest of the nasal muscles and is comprised of two parts: the transverse and the alar. The transverse part originates from the maxilla, immediately lateral to the nose. It attaches to an aponeurosis across the dorsum of the nose. The transverse part covers the dorsum of the nose and is responsible for compressing the nasal aperture, giving it its other name, compressor naris.
The alar part of the nasalis muscle, also known as the dilator naris posterior, originates from the maxilla overlying the lateral incisor. It attaches to the alar cartilage of the nasal skeleton. The alar part widens the nasal opening and pulls the ala nasi (nostril wings) laterally, which results in the flaring of the nostrils.
The nasalis muscle is one of the key muscles that is not formed or inserted correctly in cleft lip and cleft palate deformities. During reconstructive surgery, the head of the transverse part needs to be identified so that it can be surgically sutured to the nasal septum. The origin at the maxilla may also be repositioned to achieve better symmetry.
The nasalis muscle is derived from the second pharyngeal arch, and hence, like all other muscles of facial expression, it is supplied by and innervated by the facial nerve (CN VII). The blood supply to the nasalis comes from the facial artery, the infraorbital branch of the maxillary artery, and the superior labial, septal, and lateral nasal branches of the facial artery.
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It is derived from the second pharyngeal arch
The nasalis muscle is indeed derived from the second pharyngeal arch, also known as the hyoid arch. This arch is one of a series of structures that develop early in embryonic life and play a significant role in forming the facial skeleton and associated muscles. The second pharyngeal arch is specifically important in contributing to the development of structures related to olfaction and respiration. During embryonic development, the second pharyngeal arch gives rise to multiple components of the facial region, including the maxillary and mandibular processes, which form the upper and lower jaws, respectively. It also contributes to the formation of the zygomatic bone, which is involved in the structure of the cheekbone.
Now, specifically regarding the nasalis muscle, its derivation from the second pharyngeal arch is evident in its anatomical location and function. This muscle originates from the maxillary bone, which, as mentioned, is derived from the second pharyngeal arch. The muscle then extends upwards and laterally, covering the nasal cartilages and bones. The function of the nasalis muscle is to compress the nostrils and thus plays a role in regulating air flow through the nasal passages. This function is again related to the embryonic origins of the second pharyngeal arch, which is associated with the development of respiratory structures.
The development of the nasalis muscle from the second pharyngeal arch is a precise and coordinated process involving the differentiation and migration of specific populations of cells. Neural crest cells, a type of progenitor cell, migrate to the pharyngeal arches and contribute to the formation of various structures, including muscles, bones, and connective tissues. These cells are highly versatile and play a pivotal role in craniofacial development. Over time, through a series of complex cellular signals and interactions, these neural crest cells differentiate and organize to form the distinct muscles and bones of the face, including the nasalis muscle.
The derivation of the nasalis muscle from the second pharyngeal arch also has clinical significance. Certain congenital disorders and developmental anomalies can occur due to disruptions or alterations in the normal development of this arch. For example, cleft lip and palate are conditions that can arise from improper fusion of facial processes during embryonic development. As the maxillary process, which forms the upper jaw and contributes to the formation of the lip and primary palate, is derived from the second pharyngeal arch, abnormalities in its development can lead to cleft lip and palate. Thus, an understanding of the embryonic origins of the nasalis muscle and its association with the second pharyngeal arch provides valuable insights into the etiology of certain craniofacial disorders.
In conclusion, the statement, "It is derived from the second pharyngeal arch," holds significant weight in explaining the anatomical location, function, and developmental origins of the nasalis muscle. This knowledge not only enhances our understanding of craniofacial anatomy but also provides a foundation for comprehending the underlying causes of certain congenital disorders. The intricate process by which the nasalis muscle forms and functions underscores the remarkable complexity and precision of embryonic development, particularly in shaping the human face and its associated structures.
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It is used in reconstructive surgery for cleft lip and palate deformity
The nasalis muscle is a small muscle that covers the dorsum of the nose. It is composed of two parts: the lateral or transverse part (compressor naris) and the medial or alar part (dilator naris posterior). The transverse part originates from the maxilla, attaching superolaterally to the incisive foramen, and extends down the sides of the nose to attach to the nasal septum. The alar part originates from the maxilla, just above the lateral incisor, and inserts into the skin of the ala (nostril).
The nasalis muscle is one of the key muscles that is often not formed or inserted correctly in individuals with cleft lip and palate deformities. This can result in abnormalities in the skin, cartilage, vestibular lining, and skeletal platform of the nose, leading to nasal asymmetry and difficulty breathing.
During reconstructive surgery for cleft lip and palate deformities, the head of the transverse part of the nasalis muscle needs to be identified so that it can be surgically sutured to the nasal septum. This helps to improve nasal symmetry and enhance nasal function. The origin of the nasalis muscle at the maxilla may also be repositioned to achieve better symmetry.
In addition to the nasalis muscle, other muscles that may be targeted during cleft lip and palate reconstructive surgery include the levator labii superioris alaeque nasi (LLSAN) and the depressor septi. The LLSAN is a superficial elevator muscle of the nose and upper lip that can be targeted to improve the appearance of a "gummy smile". The depressor septi sits deep within the tissues and is responsible for pulling the tip of the nose and the nasal septum downwards.
Overall, the goal of reconstructive surgery for cleft lip and palate deformities is to improve both the function and aesthetics of the nose and lip, while minimizing visible scarring.
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Frequently asked questions
The nasalis muscle is a nasal muscle of facial expression. It is the largest of the nasal muscles and is made up of two parts: the transverse and the alar.
The nasalis muscle compresses the nasal cartilages and may also dilate or flare the nostrils. It is also responsible for the expression made when smelling something unpleasant, sometimes referred to as "bunny lines".
The transverse part of the nasalis muscle originates from the maxilla, immediately lateral to the nose. It attaches to an aponeurosis across the dorsum of the nose. The alar part originates from the maxilla overlying the lateral incisor and attaches to the alar cartilage of the nasal skeleton.
The nasalis muscle is one of the key muscles not formed or inserted correctly in cleft lip and cleft palate deformities. During reconstructive surgery, the head of the transverse part is identified and surgically sutured to the nasal septum. Repair of the nasalis muscle in cleft lip patients has been shown to produce nasal dimensions close to the normal population.
