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Alar nasalis

The alar part of the nasalis (Latin: pars alaris musculi nasalis), also known as the alar nasalis or dilator naris posterior, is one of the nasalis muscle parts. It is classified as the nasal facial muscle. The alar nasalis is located in the wing of the nose, and it forms the nostril. This muscle dilates the nostril.

Alar part of nasalis muscle, Alar nasalis, Nasalis, Nasal muscles, Facial muscles, Muscles of facial expression, Head muscles
Alar part of nasalis by Anatomy Next
Alar nasalis
OriginFrontal process of maxilla
InsertionSkin along ala of nose
ActionLengthens nose, dilates nostril
Innervation Buccal branch of facial nerve (CN VII)
Blood supplySuperior labial, lateral nasal and septal branches of facial artery, infraorbital artery of maxillary artery

 

Origin

The alar part of the nasalis muscle originates from the frontal process of the maxilla above the region of the maxillary lateral incisor tooth.

 

Insertion

The alar nasalis inserts into the skin along the wing of the nose.

Origin and insertion of nasal dilator muscles
Origin and insertion of alar part of nasalis by Anatomy Next

 

Action

The alar nasalis muscle lengthens the nose and dilates the nostril.

Action of nasal dilator muscles with face
Action of nasal dilator muscles by Anatomy Next
Action of nasal dilator muscles, Action of alar nasalis, Function of alar nasalis
Action of nasal dilator muscles by Anatomy Next

 

Innervation

The innervation of the alar nasalis muscle is provided by the buccal branch of the facial nerve (CN VII).

 

Blood supply

The alar nasalis receives arterial blood supply from the superior labial, lateral nasal and septal branches of the facial artery and the infraorbital branch of the maxillary artery.