Human Anatomy - Kotsan I. Ya. 2009

Muscles and fasciae of the head
Muscles surrounding the nasal apertures

The nasal Muscle (m. nasalis) consists of two parts: the transverse part and the alar part.

The transverse part (pars transversa) originates from the Maxilla above the alveoli of the canine and lateral incisor. It runs superiorly and medially, continuing into a thin aponeurosis that arches over the cartilaginous part of the nasal bridge and merges with the corresponding muscle of the opposite side.

The alar part (pars alaris) originates from the maxilla above the lateral incisor. It inserts into the Skin of the nasal ala.

Function of the nasal muscle: the transverse part narrows the nostrils; the alar part pulls the nasal ala downward and laterally, thereby widening the nostrils.

Innervation: Facial Nerve.

The depressor septi nasi muscle (m. depressor septi nasi) originates from the maxilla above the medial incisor. It inserts into the lower margin of the nasal septal Cartilage. Function: pulls the nasal septum downward.

Innervation: facial nerve.



Last update: 08/08/2026

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