Nasalis Muscle Under the Skin, Anterior View

Description

Superficial facial musculature is presented in frontal (anterior) view with the nasal skin effectively removed to expose the nasalis muscle on the dorsum and ala of the nose in an adult male. The transverse part (compressor naris) spans across the nasal dorsum, its fibers running medially from the maxilla toward the aponeurosis over the nasal cartilages, while the alar part sits more inferiorly and laterally, curving toward the alar rim. Adjacent mimetic muscles frame the field, including orbicularis oculi superiorly around the palpebral fissures and orbicularis oris inferiorly around the oral fissure, with the maxillary and mandibular dentition shown deep to the lips. Osseous landmarks of the anterior skull are also evident, including the frontal bone superiorly and the paired nasal bones at the bridge, emphasized to anchor the muscle’s position relative to the bony vault. Seeing nasalis in isolation, but still in context of neighboring facial muscles, helps clarify how nasal valve caliber can be actively altered by mimetic tone rather than cartilage alone. Hyperactivity of the transverse fibers contributes to “bunny lines” over the nasal sidewall and is a standard target in aesthetic chemodenervation, where over-treatment can reduce dorsal nasal movement and subtly change expression. Rhinoplasty and functional nasal surgery also rely on respecting the superficial musculoaponeurotic system and the relationship of nasalis to the upper lateral cartilages when planning incisions and soft tissue elevation. Small muscle, real consequences. Faculty can drop this plate directly into head and neck anatomy teaching on muscles of facial expression, alongside the facial nerve motor map and surface landmarks of the nasal bridge. It also suits ENT and plastic surgery atlases discussing nasal soft tissue layers, dynamic nasal obstruction, and injection anatomy for the nose. Anatomical accuracy verified by SciePro's Medical Advisory Board.