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Compressor narium minor

The compressor narium minor (Latin: musculus compressor narium minor) is a small inconsistent muscle of facial expression. It is classified as the nasal facial muscle located in the anterior nose region. Together with the transverse part of the nasalis muscle, the compressor narium minor compresses the nostrils. This muscle is present in slightly more than half of individuals and seems to decrease the size of the nasal aperture due to the narrowed nostrils.

Compressor narium minor, Nasal muscles, Facial muscles, Muscles of facial expression, Head muscles
Compressor narium minor by Anatomy Next
Compressor narium minor
OriginAnterior part of lower lateral cartilage of nose
InsertionSkin near upper border of nostril
Action Pulls nasal tip in caudal direction, narrows nostrils
InnervationZygomatic and temporal branches of facial nerve (CN VII)
Blood supply Branches of facial artery

 

Origin

The compressor narium minor muscle arises from the anterior part of the lower lateral cartilage of the nose.

 

Insertion

The compressor narium minor inserts into the skin near the upper border of the nostril.

Origin and insertion of compressor narium minor
Origin and insertion of compressor narium minor by Anatomy Next

 

Action

Upon contraction, the compressor narium minor pulls the nasal tip in a caudal direction and narrows the nostrils.

Action of compressor narium minor muscle
Action of compressor narium minor by Anatomy Next

 

Innervation

The compressor narium minor muscle is innervated by the zygomatic and temporal branches of the facial nerve (CN VII).

 

Blood supply

The compressor narium minor is supplied by the branches of the facial artery.