Nasalis

The nasalis is a paired facial muscle located in the area of the nose, and it is responsible for narrowing and widening the nostrils.

This muscle consists of two parts: the transverse part (or transverse nasalis) that compresses the nostril, and the alar part (or alar nasalis) that widens it.

The transverse nasalis arises from the maxilla - its origin site is lateral to the incisive fossa. It inserts into the aponeurosis of the bridge of the nose. This part of the nasalis muscle is responsible for compressing and closure of the nostrils.
The alar nasalis originates from the outer surface of the maxilla above the maxillary lateral incisor tooth and inserts into the skin along the posterior circumference of the lateral crura. It lengthens the nose and dilates the nostrils.

Compressor narium minor

The compressor narium minor is a small inconsistent muscle located in the nose region that along with the transverse nasalis compresses the nose.

This muscle is present in slightly more than half of individuals and seems to play a role in decreasing the nasal aperture, narrowing the nostrils.

Dilator naris anterior

The dilator naris anterior is a muscle of the nose that encircles the nostril and participates in widening it.

Sometimes the dilator naris anterior along with the dilator naris posterior are referred to as parts of the nasalis muscle.

The dilator naris anterior together with the alar part of the nasalis also may function to prevent collapse of the nasal valve during inspiration.

Procerus

The procerus is an inconstant facial muscle located between the dorsum of the nose and the forehead.

It originates from the midline of the nasal bone and from the lateral nasal cartilage, inserting into skin of the lower part of the forehead between the eyebrows (glabella), and into the frontal belly of the occipitofrontalis muscle.

The procerus depresses the medial eyebrow angle. Contractions of the procerus muscle fibers are responsible for producing a transverse fold across the root of the nose.

Depressor septi nasi

The depressor septi nasi is a facial muscle of the lower nose region.

It originates from the incisive fossa of the maxilla and inserts into the nasal septum and the posterior aspect of the alar part of the nasalis muscle.

Upon contraction, the depressor septi nasi depresses the nasal septum and pulls the wings of the nose downward, constricting the aperture of the nostrils, thus working similarly as the alar part of the nasalis muscle.

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Nasal group of facial muscles