The word "musculus levator alae nasi" is a mouthful, but the IPA phonetic transcription helps to break down its pronunciation. It begins with the sound "m" pronounced as "/m/", followed by "uh" sound pronounced as "/ə/", then "sk" sound pronounced as "/sk/", and "yoo" sound pronounced as "/jʊ/". The next word "levator" starts with "l" pronounced as "/l/" then followed by a short "e" sound, "/ɛ/", "v" sound, "/v/", "ay" sound, "/eɪ/", "t" sound, "/t/", "or" sound, "/ɔr/". Lastly, "alae nasi" begins with "a" sound, "/æ/", followed by "l" sound, "/l/", "ay" sound, "/eɪ/", then "n" sound,
Musculus levator alae nasi is a Latin term used in anatomy to refer to a specific muscle located in the human face. It consists of two main components, the musculus levator labii superioris alaeque nasi and the musculus transverse nasi. This muscle is primarily responsible for the movement of the nostrils and the upper lip.
The musculus levator alae nasi arises from the frontal process of the maxilla bone, which is located in the upper jaw. The muscle fibers then extend and insert into the skin at the outer part of the nostrils and the upper lip. When contracted, the musculus levator alae nasi elevates and dilates the nostrils, leading to an increase in the diameter and the area of nasal opening.
This muscle plays a crucial role in facial expressions, especially those related to emotions such as disgust, anger, and surprise. In addition, it is actively involved in respiration, facilitating the inhalation process by widening the nasal passages.
In summary, the musculus levator alae nasi is a facial muscle located in the upper jaw region. Its function primarily involves the movement of the nostrils and upper lip, contributing to various facial expressions and aiding in respiration.
Portion of caput srigulare quadrati labii superioris alar insertion of levator labii superioris alaeque nasi.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.