Schedule a Consultation for Dermal Fillers with Dr. Laura Geige Today

## The Muscles of Nasal Flaring

Nasal flaring, the widening of the nostrils, is primarily controlled by two pairs of small muscles located within and around the nose.

1. **Dilators Nasi:** These are the primary muscles responsible for nasal flaring. They are thin, fan-shaped muscles located on either side of the nasal septum (the wall that separates your nostrils). When these muscles contract, they pull the cartilaginous walls of the nostrils outward, causing them to flare.

2. **Levator Nasi:** Situated above the dilators nasi, these small muscles are responsible for lifting and elevating the tip of the nose. While not directly responsible for flaring, their action can indirectly contribute to nostril widening by influencing the shape of the nasal cavity.

### Primary Actor: The Dilator Naris Muscle

When you consciously flare your nostrils, you are engaging a specific muscle called the **dilator naris** muscle.

This small but powerful muscle originates on the anterior (front) portion of the septum, the cartilaginous structure that divides your nasal cavity in half.

From its attachment point on the septum, the dilator naris muscle extends laterally (outward) and inserts into the sides of the **nostrils**.

When the dilator naris muscle contracts, it pulls the nostrils outward, widening the openings and increasing airflow. This action is crucial for several reasons.

First, flaring your nostrils can amplify your sense of smell by allowing more scent molecules to enter your nasal cavity.

Second, when you exercise vigorously or are emotionally aroused, such as during periods of stress or excitement, dilation of the nostrils enhances oxygen intake and regulates breathing patterns.

The dilator naris muscle is primarily under **voluntary control**, meaning you can consciously decide to flare your nostrils.

However, it also receives some degree of **involuntary** input from the autonomic nervous system, which means it may contract unconsciously in response to stimuli like changes in air quality or temperature.

### Other Contributors: Levator Labii Superioris Alaeque Nasi and Procerus Muscle

While flaring your nostrils primarily involves conscious control and activation of several muscles, two key players often overlooked are the Levator Labii Superioris Alaeque Nasi and the Procerus muscle.

Here’s a breakdown of their roles:

1. Levator Labii Superioris Alaeque Nasi: This muscle, as its name suggests, is responsible for elevating (lifting) both the upper lip and the alae nasi (nostril wings). Its action contributes significantly to widening the nostrils.
2. Procerus Muscle: Situated between the eyebrows, this muscle’s primary function is to wrinkle the skin of the forehead. However, it also plays a role in elevating and protracting the upper lip and pulling down on the nasal base, which can contribute to flaring.

Although these muscles are not the sole contributors to nostril flaring, understanding their involvement provides a more comprehensive view of the intricate muscle interplay involved in this seemingly simple action.

## Actions at Play

While it might seem like a simple action, flaring your nostrils involves a coordinated effort of several muscles.

These muscles work together to widen the nasal passages, allowing for increased airflow.

• Levator Labii Superioris: This muscle originates in the nose and inserts onto the upper lip. When contracted, it elevates the upper lip, contributing to the flaring motion by pulling the nostrils upwards.
• Dilator Naris (Internal & External): These muscles reside within the nostril itself. The internal dilator naris contracts to widen the nasal passage directly while the external dilator naris expands the outer portion of the nose, aiding in nostril flaring.
• Nasalis: This triangular muscle runs across the bridge of the nose and has two parts: a transverse portion and a vertical portion. Both parts contribute to flaring by contracting to widen and elevate the nostrils.

It’s important to note that nostril flaring is often an involuntary reflex triggered by certain stimuli, such as strong scents, emotions like excitement or anger, or even cold air.

Muscle Contraction & Expansion Nasal Concha Shape & Airflow

## Beyond the Basics: A Symphony of Movement

While we often associate nostril flaring with deliberate action, the mechanism behind it is more complex than a simple muscle squeeze.

Our nasal passages are structured around two bony projections called conchae (plural of concha), located within the nasal cavity. These conchae aren’t static structures; they possess an intricate network of muscles that contribute to their dynamic shape and airflow regulation.

The primary muscle responsible for nostril flaring, known as the

*dilator naris *, originates from the lateral crus of the cartilage in the nose.

When this muscle contracts, it pulls on the nostrils outward, effectively widening the nasal aperture.

However, the dilator naris doesn’t work in isolation. It operates in conjunction with other muscles within the nose and surrounding areas to achieve nuanced control over airflow.

For example, the *nasal retractors *, small muscles embedded within the nasal septum (the partition dividing the nostrils), contribute to narrowing the nostrils when contracted.

Additionally, facial muscles like the levator labii superioris and zygomaticus major can indirectly influence nostril size by altering facial expression and tension.

This intricate interplay of muscle contractions and relaxations creates a delicate balance that allows us to adjust airflow according to our needs.

During vigorous exercise, when oxygen demand increases, the dilator naris contracts prominently, maximizing airflow into the lungs.

Conversely, when we’re at rest or speaking calmly, nostril size may decrease subtly through the actions of nasal retractors and other facial muscles.

Furthermore, our conchae aren’t merely passive structures; they exhibit dynamic movement controlled by small muscles embedded within their framework.

These muscles, responsible for adjusting the curvature and positioning of the conchae, play a crucial role in directing airflow within the nasal cavity.

By manipulating the shape of these bony projections, the body can optimize air passage, filter incoming particles, and humidify and warm inhaled air before it reaches the lungs.

The interaction between muscles and conchae shapes is essential for maintaining optimal respiratory function. It allows for precise control over airflow, ensuring adequate oxygen intake while protecting the delicate tissues of the respiratory system.

Synergistic Action and Facial Expressions

### The Role of Nerves

While flaring your nostrils might seem like a simple action, it actually involves a complex interplay of muscles and nerves controlled by specific brain regions.

The primary muscle responsible for nostril flaring is the **dilator naris**, which is attached to the cartilage of the nostrils.

This muscle receives its nerve supply from the **facial nerve (cranial nerve VII)**, specifically the branches known as the zygomaticofacial and buccal branches.

Here’s a breakdown of the process:

1. A thought or impulse originating in the brain reaches the facial nerve.
2. The facial nerve then sends signals to the dilator naris muscle through its zygomaticofacial and buccal branches.
3. These signals cause the dilator naris muscle to contract, pulling the nostrils open wider.

Beyond the dilator naris, other muscles in the face can contribute to nostril flaring depending on the context.

For instance, the levator labii superioris and depressor septi nasi might be involved in more exaggerated or expressive flaring.

Interestingly, nostril flaring isn’t just a purely mechanical action. It’s also intertwined with emotional expression and social communication.

Studies have shown that people unconsciously flare their nostrils during moments of anger, excitement, or concentration, potentially as a way to regulate airflow or signal these emotions to others.

Book a Dermal Filler Appointment with Dr. Laura Geige Today

Facial expressions like nostril flaring are complex and fascinating examples of the intricate ways our brains control muscle movement for both physical function and social communication.

Schedule a Dermal Filler Appointment with Dr. Laura Geige at It’s Me and You Clinic
Cleveland Relationship Therapy On the Carpet Plinr MS Style and Grace Derwen Roots