Nasalis Muscle, Anterior View

Description

Across the anterior surface of the external nose, the nasalis muscle is shown as two functionally distinct parts draped over the nasal cartilages and the margins of the piriform aperture. The transverse part spans the nasal dorsum, crossing from one maxilla toward the contralateral side, while the alar part descends inferolaterally to blend with the alar cartilage and the fibrofatty tissue of the nostril. Medially, fibers approximate the midline over the nasal bridge; laterally, they thin toward the nasofacial groove where nasalis interdigitates with neighboring mimetic muscles. Understanding this arrangement matters when you are teaching facial expression anatomy or planning procedures around the nasal base. The transverse part can compress the nostrils, while the alar part helps flare the nasal vestibule, a distinction that becomes clinically relevant in facial nerve palsy, post-rhinoplasty weakness, and botulinum toxin placement for so-called bunny lines across the nasal dorsum. Small muscle. Common source of confusion. Use this anterior view in head and neck anatomy courses to clarify the naming and fiber direction of the transverse versus alar parts, and in surgical or aesthetic medicine references discussing the nasal tip, ala, and perinasal injection safety around the angular vessels. It also works well for patient education materials on facial nerve dysfunction and peri-nasal muscular balance after nasal surgery. Anatomical accuracy verified by SciePro's Medical Advisory Board.