Nasalis Alaris
Head & Face
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Nasalis alaris is one of the tiny ‘nostril flare’ muscles. When someone is breathing hard, annoyed, laughing, or making a dramatic smell reaction, this muscle helps widen the nostril opening.
Function
Widens/dilates the nasal opening by pulling the ala of the nose outward; contributes to nostril flaring.
Origin
Maxilla overlying the lateral incisor region (sometimes described as the maxillary area superior to the lateral incisor/canine region).
Insertion
Alar cartilage of the nasal skeleton and skin of the nasal ala, especially near the lateral crus of the major alar cartilage.
Innervation
Buccal branches of the facial nerve, CN VII.