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 breathing conditions and during voluntary nasal movements. Inspiratory EMG activity was observed during nasal and oral breathing in one or more of the following muscles: dilator naris, nasalis muscle (alar and transverse parts) and apicis nasi. EMG activity increased markedly in response to physical exercise and was more often present in subjects with 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 apicis nasi strongly relates to respiration. These muscles probably contribute to the prevention of collapse of the nasal valve. The role of the procerus and levator labii superioris alaeque nasi seems to be primarily concerned with facial expression.