nasalis muscle (musculus compressor naris, musculus dilator naris)

Introduction

Compound facial muscle of the nose.

Origin

Musculus compressor naris: (pars transversa)

• maxilla above root of the canine tooth on each side

Musculus dilator naris: (pars alaris)

• maxilla above the lateral incisor Insertion:

Musculus compressor naris: (pars transversa)

• forms aponeurosis across the bridge of the nose

Musculus dilator naris: (pars alaris)

• wing of the nose

Action

the pars alaris dilates the nostril

Innervation

facial nerve (CN VII)

More general terms

• skeletal muscle (voluntary muscle)