The nasalis muscle is a facial muscle that is responsible for the movement of the nostrils. It is a narrow, elongated muscle that is located in the nasal region of the face.
Structure
The nasalis muscle is divided into two main parts: the transverse part and the alar part. The transverse part is the larger of the two and is located at the base of the nose, near the bridge. It is a broad, flat muscle that is responsible for the movement of the nostrils. The alar part is a smaller, more narrow muscle that is located near the nostrils. It is responsible for the movement of the nostrils and the widening or narrowing of the nostrils.
The nasalis muscle is innervated by the facial nerve, which is responsible for the movement and sensation of the facial muscles. The nasalis muscle is also supplied by blood from the facial artery and vein.
Location
The nasalis muscle is located in the nasal region of the face, near the base of the nose. It extends from the maxilla, which is the bone that forms the upper jaw, to the nasal bones and cartilage.
Function
The primary function of the nasalis muscle is to control the movement of the nostrils. It allows us to open and close our nostrils, and to widen or narrow them in response to different stimuli. This is important for regulating airflow into the nasal cavity and for controlling the amount of air we inhale and exhale.
In addition to its role in controlling airflow, the nasalis muscle also plays a role in facial expression. By contracting or relaxing the nasalis muscle, we can create a variety of facial expressions, such as smiling, frowning, or raising our eyebrows.
Clinical significance
Problems with the nasalis muscle can occur due to injury, disease, or congenital defects. One common problem is nasal congestion, which can be caused by inflammation or swelling of the nasalis muscle. This can lead to difficulty breathing through the nose and a decrease in airflow.
Another problem that can occur is a deviated septum, which is a condition in which the nasal septum, the bone and cartilage that divides the nasal cavity into two halves, is not straight. This can cause one side of the nose to be blocked, leading to difficulty breathing and a decrease in airflow.
In rare cases, the nasalis muscle may be affected by a facial nerve disorder, such as Bell’s palsy, which can cause weakness or paralysis of the muscle. This can lead to difficulty controlling the movement of the nostrils and a change in facial appearance.
