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The Nasalis is a muscle of facial expression of the nose. The muscles of facial expression of the nose are:
- Procerus
- Nasalis
- Depressor Septi Nasi
- Levator Labii Superioris Alaeque Nasi (also a muscle of facial expression of the mouth)
The Nasalis is said to have two parts: Alar Part and Transverse Part.
ATTACHMENTS:
- Maxilla to the cartilage of the nose and the opposite-side nasalis.
ACTIONS:
- Flares the nostril (alar part).
- Constricts the nostril (transverse part).
NOTES:
- Flaring the nostrils helps to take in a deep breath. It is also part of the expression of anger.
- The alar part of the nasalis is also known as the dilatator naris.
- The transverse part of the nasalis is also known as the compressor naris.
