Anatomical Structure and Location of the Alar Nasalis Muscles

Description

Lateral facial anatomy is presented with the alar part of the nasalis muscle positioned at the inferolateral margin of the external nose, draping over the alar cartilage and the lateral crus region where the nostril rim turns into the nasal vestibule. Superior and posterior to this thin muscle slip lie the nasal bone and the frontal process of the maxilla, while the maxillary alveolar process and dentition sit inferiorly as bony reference for midface height. Anteriorly, the nasal cavity and paranasal sinus space are indicated in blue within the midface skeleton, clarifying the relationship between superficial nasal musculature and the underlying airway. Because the alar nasalis is slender and often difficult to conceptualize on dissection, a side view that anchors it to the nasal skeleton and alar cartilages helps explain how subtle contractions change nostril aperture and nasal valve geometry. That distinction matters in rhinoplasty planning and revision cases, where alar base reduction, cartilage grafting, or scar contracture can alter dynamic nasal airflow even when static external contour looks acceptable. It also supports teaching around facial nerve (temporal and zygomatic/buccal branch territory) vulnerability during perinasal incisions and soft tissue elevation. Small muscle, noticeable functional consequences. Use this illustration in gross anatomy and head and neck modules when covering muscles of facial expression, and in ENT or plastic surgery materials discussing external nasal valve mechanics, alar retraction, and perinasal approaches. It also reads well as a textbook figure pairing bony landmarks, sinus anatomy, and the nasalis muscle for a single, clinically oriented plate. Anatomical accuracy verified by SciePro's Medical Advisory Board.