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Alar Part of Nasalis Muscle
Muscular System

Alar Part of Nasalis Muscle

Pars alaris musculi nasalis

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Quick Facts

Origin: Area of maxilla superior to lateral incisor and canine teeth.

Insertion: Skin overlying lateral crus of major alar cartilage.

Action: Dilates nostrils.

Innervation: Buccal branches of facial nerve (CN VII).

Arterial Supply: Superior labial and infraorbital arteries.

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Origin

The nasalis muscle is divided into transverse and alar parts. The alar part of the nasalis muscle also arises from the maxilla, superior to the lateral incisor and canine teeth.

Insertion

The alar part of the nasalis muscle attaches to the skin overlying the lateral crus of the major alar cartilage and the posterior part of the mobile septum.

Actions

The alar part of the nasalis muscle dilates the nostrils by drawing the nasal septum downwards (Standring, 2016).

List of Clinical Correlates

- Bell’s palsy

References

Standring, S. (2016) Gray's Anatomy: The Anatomical Basis of Clinical Practice. Gray's Anatomy Series 41st edn.: Elsevier Limited.

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