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Transverse nasalis

The transverse part of the nasalis (Latin: pars transversa musculi nasalis), also called the transverse nasalis or compressor naris, is one of the nasalis muscle parts. It is classified as the nasal facial muscle. The transverse nasalis covers the dorsum of the nose and compresses the nostrils.

Transverse nasalis
OriginSuperolateral to incisive fossa of maxilla
InsertionAponeurosis of bridge of nose, fibers of transverse nasalis of opposite side
ActionCompresses and closes nostrils
Innervation Buccal branches of facial nerve (CN VII)
Blood supplySuperior labial, septal and lateral nasal branches of facial artery, infraorbital artery of maxillary artery

 

Origin

The transverse nasalis muscle arises superolateral to the incisive fossa of the maxilla.

Transverse nasalis muscle, Transverse nasalis, Nasalis muscle, Nasal muscles, Facial muscles, Muscles of facial expression, Head muscles
Transverse nasalis by Anatomy.app

 

Insertion

The transverse nasalis inserts into the aponeurosis of the bridge of the nose and blends with the fibers of the opposite transverse nasalis muscle.

Origin and insertion of transverse nasalis muscle, Transverse nasalis muscle
Origin and insertion of transverse nasalis by Anatomy.app

 

Action

The transverse part of the nasalis is responsible for compression and closure of the nostrils. It also wrinkles the skin covering the bridge of the nose.

Action of transverse nasalis, Function of transverse nasalis, Action of nasalis, Transverse nasalis, Nasalis
Action of transverse nasalis muscle by Anatomy.app

 

Innervation

The nerve supply to the transverse nasalis muscle is provided by the buccal branches of the facial nerve (CN VII).

 

Blood supply

The transverse nasalis receives arterial blood supply from the superior labial, septal and lateral nasal branches of the facial artery and the infraorbital artery of the maxillary artery.