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The muscle that flares the nostrils is called the nasalis muscle. It is a facial expression muscle that comprises two components: the transverse section and the alar portion. The transverse section compresses the nasal aperture, while the alar portion flares the nostrils. The nasalis muscle is also used to convey emotions such as anger, confusion, and disgust. In addition, it can be used to test the facial nerve, specifically the zygomatic branches.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Muscle responsible for flaring nostrils | Nasalis muscle |
| Number of components | 2 |
| Names of components | Transverse section, Alar portion |
| Location | Sides of the nose |
| Function | Compressing the nasal aperture, widening the nares |
| Treatment for enlarged nostrils | Muscle-relaxing injections |
| Treatment duration | 2-4 units of injections lasting up to 4-6 months |
| Side effects | Mild local pain, tenderness, mild swelling, bruising |
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What You'll Learn
The nasalis muscle has two parts
The nasalis muscle is a facial expression muscle that allows people to move their noses for different expressions, such as wrinkling their noses when confused or angry. It is considered a sphincter, and when compressed, it moves the nasal cartilages and flares the nostrils. Interestingly, some people can constrict this muscle enough to prevent water from entering their nostrils while swimming.
The nasalis muscle is innervated by the facial nerve (VII), which originates from the second pharyngeal arch during development in the womb. The buccal branch of the facial nerve supplies both parts of the nasalis muscle. This muscle is also one of the key muscles that may not be formed or inserted correctly in individuals with cleft lip and cleft palate deformities. During reconstructive surgery for such deformities, the head of the transverse part must be identified so that it can be surgically sutured to the nasal septum.
In summary, the nasalis muscle, with its two distinct parts, plays a crucial role in facial expressions and can even be used to test the facial nerve due to its superficial nature. Understanding the function and anatomy of this muscle is essential, especially in the context of cosmetic procedures and reconstructive surgeries.
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The depressor septi nasi muscle
There are three variations of the depressor septi nasi muscle: Type I, which is inserted fully into the orbicularis oris; Type II, which is inserted into the periosteum and incompletely into the orbicularis oris; and Type III, which shows no or rudimentary development of the muscle. The absence or underdevelopment of this muscle may result in a reduced ability to flare the nostrils.
In cosmetic procedures, muscle-relaxing injections are administered just beneath the septum of the nose to target the depressor septi nasi muscle. This treatment aims to paralyse the muscle, reducing its pull on the nose and creating a perkier appearance. Rhinoplasty patients may also benefit from the dissection of this muscle to improve the relationship between the tip of the nose and the upper lip.
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Wrinkle-relaxing treatments
The nasalis muscle is responsible for flaring nostrils. When the nostrils flare excessively, it can cause a change in the way the face looks, making the nose look wider. This is usually noticeable in photos when smiling. One of the most effective treatments for nasal flaring is injectable muscle relaxants.
The treatment involves injecting muscle relaxants into specific areas around the nose to soften the pull of the muscles responsible for nostril flaring. This treatment can also be used to enhance the tip of the nose. The depressor septi nasi muscle is located right beneath the nose and acts as an anchor, pulling the nose down and constricting its wings. The injections paralyze this muscle, allowing the nose to lift.
A single treatment can take anywhere from 2-4 units of wrinkle-relaxing injections and lasts up to 4-6 months. It takes about 14 days to see the full effects, and most people find that the treatment causes only mild local pain and tenderness. Side effects are extremely rare, but some people may experience mild swelling or slight bruising at the treatment site. It is recommended to avoid makeup for 24 hours post-treatment.
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Cleft lip and palate deformity
The nasalis muscle is responsible for flaring the nostrils. In some cases, this muscle is not formed or inserted correctly, which can result in a cleft lip and palate deformity.
Cleft lip and cleft palate are birth defects that occur when a baby's lip or mouth don't form properly during the mother's pregnancy. In the earliest days of a baby's development in the womb, there is typically a split (called a cleft) between the right and left sides of the lip and the roof of the mouth (palate). Usually, during the sixth to eleventh week of pregnancy, this split comes together to form the lips and mouth. However, if the tissue doesn't join completely, it can result in a cleft lip or cleft palate.
A cleft lip is characterised by an opening in the lip that can range from a small slit to a large split extending into the nose. It can occur on one or both sides of the lip or in the middle. Cleft palate refers to an opening in the palate, which may affect the front, back, or both parts. These deformities can occur independently or together, and the occurrence of both is termed orofacial clefts.
The causes of cleft lip and palate are largely unknown, but they are thought to be influenced by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Research suggests that about 30% of cleft defects are associated with genetic syndromes, such as Waardenburg, Pierre Robin, and Down syndromes. Maternal factors, such as health during early pregnancy, alcohol consumption, smoking, and certain medications, may also increase the risk.
Children born with cleft lip or palate may experience difficulties with feeding, breathing, and speaking. They are also more prone to ear infections, hearing loss, and dental problems. Surgical repair is often recommended within the first year of life for cleft lip and by 18 months for cleft palate, with additional procedures likely needed as the child grows. Early intervention by a multidisciplinary team, including surgeons, speech pathologists, dentists, and psychologists, is crucial for optimising outcomes and helping affected children lead healthy lives.
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Nasalis muscle and emotions
The nasalis muscle is a facial muscle that covers the dorsum of the nose. It comprises 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. 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, wrinkling the nasal skin, and may also flare the nostrils.
The alar part of the nasalis draws the nares and posterior part of the columella down and out to the side, widening the nares and elongating the nose. The alar portion also dilates the nostrils as it pulls the ala laterally. When the alar portion of the nasalis is treated with BoNT-A, it can slim the flare of the alar. The alar part of the nasalis muscle also comprises the nostrils.
The nasalis muscle is involved in facial expressions and can be used to convey emotions. For example, the transverse part of the nasalis muscle can wrinkle the nose in an upward fashion, an expression often associated with smelling something unpleasant. This expression is sometimes referred to as "bunny lines." The nasalis muscle can also be involved in more complex emotional expressions, such as anger, during which the movements of the nasalis muscle become more obvious.
The nasalis muscle is also relevant in cosmetic treatments. For individuals who desire a reduction in nostril flaring, muscle-relaxing injections can be administered to specific areas around the nose to soften the pull of the muscles responsible for enlarging the nostrils. This treatment can also enhance the tip of the nose. Conversely, individuals seeking a more youthful appearance can receive injections at the base of the nasal spine to elevate the tip of the nose.
In summary, the nasalis muscle, with its transverse and alar portions, plays a role in facial expressions, emotional displays, and cosmetic procedures. Its functions include compressing the nasal aperture, wrinkling the nasal skin, and flaring or widening the nostrils.
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Frequently asked questions
The nasalis muscle is responsible for flaring nostrils. It is a facial expression muscle that helps convey emotions such as anger, confusion, and disgust.
The nasalis muscle has two main components: the transverse section and the alar portion. These two parts work together to move your nose to the sides, wrinkle it, and
Yes, muscle relaxing injections can be administered just beneath the septum of the nose to relax the muscles that pull the nostrils down and laterally, reducing nostril flare.
