Dilator naris is the alar part of nasalis, flaring the nostril during inspiration to reduce nasal airway resistance. It is the muscle activated during nasal flaring in respiratory distress and emotional expression.
| Origin | Maxilla — over the lateral incisor and canine, lower than compressor naris |
|---|---|
| Insertion | Alar cartilage — lateral crus |
| Nerve Supply | Facial nerve — buccal branch (VII) |
| Blood Supply | Facial artery — lateral nasal branch |
| Actions | Dilates the nostril — flares the alar rim outward; Maintains nasal airway patency during deep breathing |
|---|
Dilator naris weakness in facial nerve palsy contributes to nasal valve collapse on the paralysed side. The Cottle test (lateral cheek traction relieving nasal obstruction) implies internal nasal valve narrowing that can be worsened by dilator naris palsy. Nasal valve repair with spreader grafts or alar rim grafts compensates for dilator naris insufficiency.
Visible as nostril flaring during deep nasal inhalation.
Alar collapse from dilator naris paralysis producing nasal valve obstruction on the paretic side, managed by alar rim graft or nasal valve repair.
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