The nasalis muscle is a paired facial muscle located in the area of the nose, and it is responsible for narrowing and widening the nostrils. The nasalis consists of two parts: transverse part (transverse nasalis) that compresses the nostril and the alar part (alar nasalis) that widens it.

Transverse part (transverse nasalis)

Origin and insertion of transverse nasalis

Origin: maxilla - superolateral to the incisive fossa.

Insertion: aponeurosis of the bridge of the nose, also blending with the fibers of the transverse nasalis of the opposite side.

Action: compresses and closes the nostril.

Innervation: buccal branches of the facial nerve (CN VII).

Blood supply: superior labial artery, lateral nasal branch and nasal septal branch (branches of the facial artery), infraorbital artery (branch of the maxillary artery).

Alar part (alar nasalis)

Origin: frontal process of the maxilla above the region of the lateral incisor tooth.

Insertion: skin along the wing of the nose.

Action: lengthens the nose and dilates the nostril.

Innervation: buccal branches of the facial nerve (CN VII).

Blood supply: superior labial artery, lateral nasal branch and nasal septal branch (branches of the facial artery), infraorbital artery (branch of the maxillary artery).

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Nasalis