Histochemical examination of the dorsorostral quadrant of the rat
snout revealed superficial and deep muscles that are involved in whisking,
sniffing, and airflow control. The part of M. nasolabialis profundus
that acts as an intrinsic (follicular) muscle to facilitate protraction and
translation of the vibrissae is described. An intraturbinate and selected
rostral-most nasal muscles that can influence major routs of inspiratory
airflow and rhinarial touch through their control of nostril configuration,
atrioturbinate and rhinarium position, were revealed.