The Probert Encyclopaedia of Medicine

NASALIS

The nasalis muscle consists of two parts: the alar and the transverse. The alar is used when the nostrils are flared and runs along the side of the nose. The transverse runs diagonally and is used to wrinkle the nose. The nasalis is composed of three small muscles: the compressor nasi, the dilator naris posterior, and the depressor septi nasi. The compressor nasi is a small, thin muscle with a triangular shape. It runs along the bridge of the nose and depresses the cartilage and compresses the alae together. The depressor nasi is a short muscle that lies between the musclular structure and the mucous membrane of the lip. It arises from the upper lip and extends to be inserted into the septum of the nose. It constricts the nares (nostrils) of the nose, the opposite action of the compressor nasi muscle. The dilator nares posterior is a small muscle that originates from the edge of the nasal notch and is inserted into the skin near the edge of the nostril. This muscle works with the dilator naris anterior, which is located in front of it,
to dilate the opening of the nares. All muscles of the nose are supplied by the facial nerve.
Research Nasalis