New anatomical profile of the nasal musculature: dilator naris vestibularis, dilator naris anterior, and alar part of the nasalis

The aim of this study was to clarify the morphology and topography of the dilator naris vestibularis, dilator naris anterior, and alar part of the nasalis. Anatomical variations in the topographic relationships are also described to provide critical data for understanding nasal muscular functions. Anatomical and histological examinations were performed on 40 specimens of embalmed Korean adult cadavers. The dilator naris vestibularis muscle (named by the present authors) was located between the external and vestibular skin of the alar lobule. The muscle fibers radiated along the dome-shaped nasal vestibule. The dilator naris anterior muscle originated from the frontal surfaces of the lateral half of the lateral crus and the accessory alar cartilage adjacent to the lateral crus. The extent of the lower insertion of the dilator naris anterior muscle was at the alar groove. The alar part of the nasalis originated with the transverse part of nasalis from the maxilla. It ascended to attach to the alar crease and the adjacent deep surface of external skin of the alar lobule. These findings may provide anatomical knowledge required to understand the structure and function of these nasal muscles such as during rhinoplasty or other surgery of the face.