ELECTROMYOGRAPHY OF THE HUMAN NASAL MUSCLES

Electromyographic (EMG) activity of six nasal muscles was monitored in 17 male volunteers without nasal complaints. Surface electrodes were placed on the nasal skin in such a way that they selectively recorded the activity of these muscles. Recordings were made under different br eathing conditions and during voluntary nasal movements. Inspiratory E MG activity was observed during nasal and oral breathing in one or mor e of the following muscles: dilator naris, nasalis muscle (alar and tr ansverse parts) and apicis nasi. EMG activity increased markedly in re sponse to physical exercise and was more often present in subjects wit h decreased nasal patency. During voluntary nasal movements a combined activity of the six nasal muscles was consistently found. We conclude that the function of the dilator naris, the nasalis muscle and the ap icis nasi strongly relates to respiration. These muscles probably cont ribute to the prevention of collapse of the nasal valve. The role of t he procerus and levator labii superioris alaeque nasi seems to be prim arily concerned with facial expression.