Nasalis muscle

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Description:

Origin:
Anterior surface of the frontal process of the maxilla, the transverse part of the muscle arises lateral to the nasal notch and the alar part arises just below the transverse part

Insertion:
Transverse part merges with its opposite muscle and the procerus in an aponeurosis over the nasal bone; the alar part attaches to the alar cartilage of the nose

Actions:
Transverse part closes the nostrils, while the alar part helps open the nostrils

Nerve supply:
Facial nerve

Blood supply:
Branches of the external carotid artery