Nasalis - Podcast Version 0:00 / 0:00 1x 0.25x 0.5x 0.75x 1x 1.25x 1.5x 1.75x 2x The nasalis is a nasal muscle of facial expression. It is the largest of the nasal muscles and is comprised of two parts: transverse and alar. Attachments: Transverse part – originates from the maxilla, immediately lateral to the nose. It attaches onto an aponeurosis across the dorsum of the nose. Alar part – originates from the maxilla overlying the lateral incisor. It attaches to the alar cartilage of the nasal skeleton. Actions: Transverse part – compresses the nasal opening Alar part – widens the nasal opening. Innervation – Buccal branches of the facial nerve. Blood Supply – Facial artery and infraorbital branch of maxillary artery. By TeachMeSeries Ltd (2026) Fig 1The nasal muscles of facial expression. Note the nasalis muscle is comprised of two parts. Pro Feature - 3D Model You've Discovered a Pro Feature Access our 3D Model Library Explore, cut, dissect, annotate and manipulate our 3D models to visualise anatomy in a dynamic, interactive way. Learn More Frequent questions What is the function of the nasalis muscle? The nasalis muscle primarily facilitates facial expression by compressing and widening the nasal opening. Its two components, the transverse and alar parts, perform these actions to alter the shape of the nostrils. Where does the nasalis muscle attach? The nasalis muscle has two parts with distinct attachments: the transverse part originates from the maxilla and attaches to an aponeurosis across the nose, while the alar part starts from the maxilla and connects to the alar cartilage of the nasal skeleton. What innervates the nasalis muscle? The nasalis muscle is innervated by the buccal branches of the facial nerve. This nerve supply is crucial for coordinating the muscle's actions during facial expressions. What is the blood supply for the nasalis muscle? The nasalis muscle receives its blood supply from the facial artery and the infraorbital branch of the maxillary artery. This vascular supply is essential for maintaining the muscle's function and health. What are the two parts of the nasalis muscle and their specific actions? The nasalis muscle consists of the transverse part, which compresses the nasal opening, and the alar part, which widens the nasal opening. These actions help in various facial expressions and respiratory functions. Rate This Article