Depressor septi nasalis muscle

The depressor septi nasalis muscles (DSN) (also known as the depressor septi nasi muscles) are paired muscles of the nose, a subset of the muscles of facial expression, which depress the nose.

Summary

• origin: maxilla
• insertion: nasal septum, medial crura, membranous septum
• innervation: facial nerve (VII)
• action: depresses the tip of the nose

Gross anatomy

Origin

• maxilla superior to the central incisor (incisive fossa)

Insertion

• anterior nasal septum, passing to the medial crural footplates, terminating in the membranous septum

Arterial supply

• facial artery

Venous drainage

• facial vein

Innervation

• buccal branches of the facial nerve (VII)

Action

• depresses the tip of the nose