Nasalis Beneath The Skin, Lateral View

Description

Seen in lateral profile beneath a semi-transparent integument, the nasalis muscle is identified along the dorsum and ala of the external nose, with its transverse (compressor naris) fibers coursing posterior to anterior across the nasal cartilages and its alar component descending toward the margin of the naris. Superiorly it relates to the procerus and the nasal part of the frontalis at the radix, while inferiorly and laterally it blends with fibers of levator labii superioris alaeque nasi and the orbicularis oris at the nasolabial region. Deep to the muscle, the nasal bones transition to upper lateral cartilage and alar cartilage, and the anterior nasal aperture frames the vestibule and nasal cavity. Functionally, the transverse nasalis compresses the nostril and can narrow the nasal valve region, while the alar part acts in the opposite direction to dilate the naris during inspiration. Small muscle, big consequence. This lateral orientation is the one rhinoplasty surgeons and facial injectors think in, because altered tension across the upper lateral cartilage and alar rim influences external nasal contour, airway resistance, and the tendency toward dynamic nasal obstruction; it also clarifies why facial nerve injury to buccal or zygomatic branches can leave subtle but symptomatic asymmetry in nostril flare. Facial anatomy courses use this plate to teach the layered relationship of skin, superficial musculoaponeurotic system, and nasal musculature, and to reinforce surface landmarks for the external nose. Medical publishers can pair it with chapters on nasal airflow, nasal valve collapse, cleft-related nasal deformity, or operative approaches such as open rhinoplasty and alar base reduction where preserving soft-tissue dynamics matters. Anatomical accuracy verified by SciePro's Medical Advisory Board.