THE LOST MUSCLES OF THE NOSE

This is a review of the muscular anatomy of the nose. Areas of inconsi stency in the main anatomy texts are high-lighted and concentrate part icularly on the omission of three identifiable muscles from modern tex tbooks. Two topographical areas of the nose in need of further anatomi cal development are identified. In a sample of 121 subjects from the g eneral population, 40% were found to be incapable of flaring the nostr ils voluntarily or subconsciously in conjunction with energetic inspir ation with the mouth closed. The authors recommend systematic clinical assessment of the nasal musculature be incorporated in the pre- and p ostoperative examination of the rhinoplasty patient. The division of t he nose into five sections for assessment is proposed and the muscles contributing to each area are defined together with their individual s urgical relevance.