Dominic Stone
The human face has about 20 facial muscles, which are essential for chewing and making facial expressions. One such muscle is the nasalis muscle, which is responsible for closing the nose. The nasalis muscle is comprised of two components, the transverse section and the alar portion. The transverse section merges with the procerus at the bridge of the nose and sits on the cartilaginous part of the nose. The alar part of the nasalis draws the nares and posterior part of the columella down and widens the nasal opening.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | Nasalis muscle |
| Parts | Transverse, Alar |
| Transverse Part | Originates from the maxilla, above and lateral to the incisive fossa |
| Transverse Function | Compresses the nostrils, may completely close them |
| Alar Part | Originates from the maxilla over the lateral incisor and inserts into the greater alar cartilage |
| Alar Function | Widens the nasal opening |
| Innervation | Buccal branches of the facial nerve |
| Procerus | Pulls the eyebrows downward, resulting in wrinkling over the bridge of the nose |
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What You'll Learn
- The compressor naris muscle (transverse part) closes the nostrils
- The nasalis muscle is the largest of the nasal muscles
- The procerus muscle pulls down eyebrows, aiding nostril flaring
- The alar part of the nasalis muscle widens the nasal opening
- The depressor septi nasi pulls the tip of the nose downwards
The compressor naris muscle (transverse part) closes the nostrils
The transverse part of the nasalis muscle is responsible for compressing the nasal aperture and may completely close the nostrils. It is also responsible for the expression that is made in response to a bad smell. Some refer to the wrinkling of the nose in an upward fashion as "bunny lines". The compressor naris muscle arises from the maxilla, above and lateral to the incisive fossa. Its fibres proceed upward and medially, expanding into a thin aponeurosis that is continuous on the bridge of the nose with that of the muscle of the opposite side.
The alar part of the nasalis muscle, also known as the dilator naris muscle, arises from the maxilla over the lateral incisor and inserts into the greater alar cartilage. Its medial fibres tend to blend with the depressor septi nasi muscle, and it has been described as part of that muscle. The alar part of the nasalis draws the nares and posterior part of the columella down and laterally, resulting in widening the nares and elongating the nose. When the alar portion of the nasalis is treated with BoNT-A, it can slim the flair of the alar.
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The nasalis muscle is the largest of the nasal muscles
The human face has about 20 facial muscles, which are essential for chewing and making facial expressions. One such muscle is the nasalis muscle, which is the largest of the nasal muscles. It is a sphincter-like muscle of the nose and is comprised of two parts: the transverse part and the alar part.
The transverse part, or the compressor naris muscle, arises from the maxilla, above and lateral to the incisive fossa. Its fibres proceed upward and medially, expanding into a thin aponeurosis that continues on the bridge of the nose. The transverse part compresses the nasal opening and may even completely close the nostrils.
The alar part, or the dilator naris muscle, arises from the maxilla over the lateral incisor and inserts into the alar cartilage. It widens the nasal opening and may also flare the nostrils.
The nasalis muscle is supplied by the facial nerve (VII) and is one of the key muscles not formed or inserted correctly with cleft lip and cleft palate deformity. It is also responsible for the expression made when smelling something unpleasant, often referred to as "bunny lines".
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The procerus muscle pulls down eyebrows, aiding nostril flaring
The procerus muscle is a small, pyramidal muscle in the glabella, located between the eyebrows. It is involved in facial expressions such as frowning and those associated with attentional control, and it also indirectly helps to shield the eyes from bright light. The procerus muscle pulls the eyebrows downward, producing transverse wrinkles over the nose, and aiding in nostril flaring.
The procerus is the most superior of the nasal muscles. It originates from the nasal bone and inserts into the skin of the lower medial forehead. Its fibres merge with those of the frontalis muscle. The procerus muscle is supplied by the temporal branch of the facial nerve (VII).
The nasal muscles are a group of muscles around the nose that are involved in facial expressions and controlling the nostrils. The nasalis muscle is the largest of the nasal muscles and is responsible for nostril compression and flaring. It consists of two parts: the transverse part (compressor naris muscle) and the alar part (dilator naris muscle). The compressor naris muscle arises from the maxilla, above and lateral to the incisive fossa, and its fibres proceed upward and medially, expanding into a thin aponeurosis that covers the bridge of the nose. The dilator naris muscle arises from the maxilla over the lateral incisor and inserts into the greater alar cartilage.
The procerus muscle works in conjunction with the nasalis muscle to aid in nostril flaring. While the procerus muscle pulls the eyebrows downward, the nasalis muscle, specifically the dilator naris component, widens the nasal opening, resulting in nostril flaring. This coordination between the procerus and nasalis muscles allows for expressions associated with attentional control and shielding the eyes from bright light.
In summary, the procerus muscle pulls down the eyebrows and aids in nostril flaring through its interaction with the nasalis muscle. This coordination between the procerus and nasalis muscles contributes to facial expressions and protective functions, showcasing the intricate interplay within the group of nasal muscles.
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The alar part of the nasalis muscle widens the nasal opening
The nose is a unique feature that varies from individual to individual. The shape of the nostrils, the angle of the nasal tip, and the width of the nasal bridge are some examples of visible variations that give each person a distinct nose.
The nose and its functions are influenced by various muscles, including the nasalis muscle. This muscle is a sphincter-like muscle of the nose and is the largest of the nasal muscles. It is comprised of two parts: the transverse part and the alar part.
The alar part of the nasalis muscle, also known as the dilator naris muscle, originates from the maxilla, which is the bone of the upper jaw, over the lateral incisor. This part of the muscle inserts into the greater alar cartilage, specifically attaching to the skin overlying the lateral crus of the major alar cartilage and the posterior part of the mobile septum.
The function of the alar part of the nasalis muscle is to widen the nasal opening by pulling the nasal septum downwards, thus dilating the nostrils. This action may also be described as flaring the nostrils. The alar part of the nasalis muscle is innervated by the buccal branches of the facial nerve (CN VII) and receives its blood supply from the facial artery and the infraorbital branch of the maxillary artery.
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The depressor septi nasi pulls the tip of the nose downwards
The depressor septi nasi muscle plays a crucial role in nasal dynamics, influencing both respiration and facial expressions. This muscle is responsible for pulling the tip of the nose downwards, and it can also shorten the upper lip during expressions like smiling.
The depressor septi nasi muscle is closely associated with the external nasal valve, which is the entrance to the nose. When this muscle is hyperactivated, it can lead to nasal tip drooping, a condition that has been the subject of several studies. Rhinoplasty, a surgical procedure, is sometimes employed to address this issue.
The depressor septi nasi muscle is also integral to nasal respiration. During open rhinoplasty operations, repairing the dermocartilaginous ligament, to which this muscle is attached, can enhance nasal respiratory functions. This repair work expands the external nasal valve, allowing the nose to participate in mimic movements.
The depressor septi nasi muscle has a complex anatomical structure. Studies have found that it is closely related to the orbicularis oris muscle and the maxilla, forming a relatively thick structure. In some cases, the depressor septi nasi muscle has been observed to consist of three fascicles, with both deep and superficial fibres inserting into the dermocartilaginous ligament near the nasal tip.
Understanding the depressor septi nasi muscle is essential not only for correcting deformities in the nose and lip junction but also for optimising surgical outcomes in rhinoplasty procedures. By studying the muscle's anatomy and function, surgeons can develop more effective techniques to address nasal tip drooping and gummy smile deformities.
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Frequently asked questions
The compressor naris muscle, also known as the transverse part of the nasalis muscle, is responsible for compressing the nostrils and may completely close them.
The nasalis muscle is the largest of the nasal muscles and is comprised of two parts: transverse and alar. The transverse part compresses the nasal opening, while the alar part widens it. The alar part of the nasalis also draws the nares and posterior part of the columella down and out to the sides, resulting in a widening and elongation of the nose.
The nasal group of facial muscles are associated with movements of the nose and the skin surrounding it. The nasal muscles include the nasalis, procerus, depressor septi nasi, and levator labii superioris alaeque nasi (LLSAN). The procerus is a muscle between the eyebrows that can help flare the nostrils. The LLSAN is a superficial elevator muscle of the nose and upper lip utilized in oral-facial expression.
