nasalis (muscle)

Definition: facial muscle of nose; compound muscle consisting of: a transverse part [TA] (pars transversa [TA], musculus compressor naris) arising from the maxilla above the root of the canine tooth on each side and forming an aponeurosis across the bridge of the nose; and an alar part [TA] (pars alaris [TA], musculus dilator naris) arising from the maxilla above the lateral incisor and attaching to the wing of the nose; the alar part dilates the nostril; nerve supply, facial.

Synonym(s): musculus nasalisTA, nasal muscle

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