
The procerus muscle is a small, pyramid-shaped facial muscle that extends from the nasal bone to the forehead, between the eyebrows. It is responsible for depressing the medial parts of the eyebrows and wrinkling the skin between them, allowing humans to frown. Overuse of the procerus muscle can result in permanent wrinkles, and it is often targeted during anti-aging treatments, such as Botox injections.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Shape | Triangular/Pyramidal |
| Location | Between the eyebrows, in the glabella region of the midline of the face |
| Function | Depresses the medial parts of the eyebrows, wrinkles the skin between them, enabling frowning |
| Nerve | Facial nerve (CN VII) |
| Blood Supply | Angular and lateral nasal branches of the facial artery |
| Synonyms | Depressor glabellae muscle, Santorini's muscle, Pyramidalis nasi muscle |
| Related Conditions | Progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP), Bell's palsy |
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What You'll Learn

Procerus is a small, pyramid-shaped muscle in the face
The procerus is a small, pyramid-shaped muscle in the face. It is also referred to as the pyramidalis nasi muscle, derived from the Latin word "procerus," meaning slender. This muscle is located in the midline of the face, originating from the nasal bone and extending to the middle area of the forehead between the eyebrows. Its specific site is in the glabella region, between the eyebrows, and it covers the nasal bone and the upper part of the lateral nasal cartilage. The procerus muscle is part of the nasal group of facial muscles, which also includes the nasalis, levator nasolabialis, and depressor septi nasi muscles.
The procerus muscle plays a role in facial expressions, particularly in frowning. When contracted, it depresses the medial parts of the eyebrows and wrinkles the skin between them, allowing for the characteristic frowning expression. Over time, activation of the procerus muscle can lead to permanent wrinkles in the glabellar region. This has led to cosmetic interventions, such as injecting botulinum toxin (Botox) into the muscle to reduce the appearance of wrinkles.
The procerus muscle is innervated by the facial nerve (CN VII), receiving input from its temporal, lower zygomatic, and buccal branches. It is supplied by the angular and lateral nasal branches of the facial artery. The muscle fibres of the procerus diverge superiorly and insert into the dermis of the skin over the glabella. A small portion of its fibres also blend with the lower part of the frontal belly of the occipitofrontalis muscle.
The procerus muscle is associated with certain medical conditions, such as Bell's palsy and progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP). Dystonia of the procerus muscle is a characteristic feature of PSP, resulting in the procerus sign, which is the vertical wrinkling of the forehead. In some cases, surgery may be employed to denervate the procerus muscle and reduce furrow lines caused by frowning, primarily for cosmetic purposes.
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It originates from the nasal bone and upper lateral nasal cartilage
The procerus muscle is a small, triangular facial muscle occupying the glabella—the region between the eyebrows. It originates from the nasal bone and the upper lateral nasal cartilage. This muscle is responsible for depressing the medial parts of the eyebrows, causing wrinkles in the glabellar skin and enabling a frowning expression.
The procerus muscle is also known as the pyramidalis nasi muscle, derived from the Latin word "procerus" meaning slender. It is a small, pyramid-shaped muscle that extends from the lower part of the nasal bone to the middle area of the forehead between the eyebrows. Here, it attaches to the frontalis muscle. The muscle fibres diverge superiorly, inserting into the dermis of the skin over the glabella.
The procerus muscle is innervated by the facial nerve (CN VII) and its branches, including the temporal, lower zygomatic, and buccal branches. It receives its blood supply from the angular and lateral nasal branches of the facial artery. The muscle's contraction pulls the skin between the eyebrows downward, resulting in a frowning expression. This movement is essential for displaying a wide range of human facial expressions.
Overuse of the procerus muscle can lead to the development of permanent wrinkles on the glabellar skin. As a result, injecting botulinum toxin (Botox) into this muscle is a common anti-aging treatment to reduce furrow lines caused by frowning. Additionally, the procerus muscle is associated with the procerus sign, which is indicative of progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP). Dystonia of the procerus muscle contributes to vertical wrinkling of the forehead, often addressed through cosmetic procedures.
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The procerus muscle depresses the medial parts of the eyebrows
The procerus muscle is a small, pyramid-shaped muscle in the face, occupying the glabella region between the eyebrows. It is derived from the second pharyngeal arch and is innervated by the facial nerve (CN VII). When contracted, the procerus muscle depresses the medial parts of the eyebrows, pulling the skin between them downwards and creating wrinkles. This muscle action enables human beings to frown, contributing to our wide range of facial expressions.
The procerus muscle is also known as the pyramidalis nasi muscle, arising from tendinous fibres that cover the lower part of the nasal bone and extend to the middle area of the forehead between the eyebrows. Here, it attaches to the frontalis muscle. The procerus muscle is one of the nasal group of facial muscles, alongside the nasalis, levator nasolabialis, and depressor septi nasi muscles.
The procerus muscle is responsible for the characteristic frown that people exhibit when exposed to strong or bright light, during intense focus, or when experiencing emotional distress. Over time, repeated activation of the procerus muscle can lead to permanent wrinkles on the glabellar skin, known as glabellar frown lines. This is a common concern addressed by cosmetic procedures such as injecting botulinum toxin (Botox) into the procerus muscle to reduce wrinkles.
Dystonia of the procerus muscle is associated with progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) and is indicated by the procerus sign, which refers to vertical wrinkling of the forehead. Surgical intervention may involve transecting the temporal branch of the facial nerve to reduce furrow lines caused by frowning. However, it is important to note that other branches of the facial nerve may also need to be cut during such procedures.
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Overuse can cause wrinkles between the eyebrows
The procerus muscle is a small, pyramid-shaped facial muscle that occupies the glabella—the region located between the eyebrows. It is derived from the second pharyngeal arch and is innervated by the facial nerve (CN VII). When contracted, the procerus muscle depresses the medial parts of the eyebrows and wrinkles the skin between them, allowing us to frown.
Overuse of the procerus muscle can indeed cause wrinkles between the eyebrows. This is due to the muscle's function in depressing the medial end of the eyebrows and wrinkling the glabellar skin. Over-activity of the procerus muscle and the corrugator supercilii muscle results in the appearance of wrinkles, specifically the vertical wrinkles that develop between the eyebrows, known as glabellar frown lines.
The procerus muscle is often targeted in cosmetic procedures to reduce the appearance of wrinkles. Injecting botulinum toxin (Botox) into the procerus muscle is a common anti-aging technique. Botulinum toxin prevents muscle contraction by inhibiting the release of acetylcholine into the neuromuscular junction. This paralysis of the procerus muscle prevents further wrinkling of the skin.
Additionally, the structure and function of the procerus muscle are important in surgical procedures such as blepharoplasty, which is used to treat eyebrow ptosis or forehead wrinkling. Fillers, such as hyaluronic acid and poly-L-lactic acid, can also be injected to fill in wrinkles or "plump up" the skin. However, it is crucial to be aware of the risks associated with these procedures, such as injection necrosis, which can occur if fillers are injected directly into an artery.
To prevent the formation of wrinkles due to procerus muscle overuse, individuals can explore preventative measures such as muscle relaxants or skincare routines that promote skin elasticity. Additionally, being mindful of facial expressions and reducing frequent or excessive frowning may help delay the onset of wrinkles in this region.
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Botox can be used to reduce wrinkles caused by the procerus muscle
The procerus muscle is a small, pyramid-shaped muscle in the face. It occupies the glabella, the region between the eyebrows, and allows us to frown by depressing the medial parts of the eyebrows and wrinkling the skin in the middle. Overuse of the procerus muscle can result in permanent wrinkles, which is why it is often targeted during wrinkle treatment or correction.
The procerus muscle is derived from the second pharyngeal arch and is innervated by the facial nerve (CN VII), similar to other facial muscles. It is supplied by the angular and lateral nasal branches of the facial artery. Its muscle fibres blend with the lower part of the frontal belly of the occipitofrontalis muscle.
The procerus muscle is also associated with certain medical conditions. Dystonia of the procerus muscle is involved in the procerus sign, which is indicative of progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP). The muscle may be denervated to reduce furrow lines around the glabella caused by frowning.
It is important to note that while Botox can be effective in reducing wrinkles caused by the procerus muscle, it is a medical procedure that should be done under expert supervision. Additionally, individual results may vary, and there may be potential side effects associated with the use of Botox.
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Frequently asked questions
The procerus muscle is a small, pyramid-shaped muscle in the face.
The procerus muscle is located in the midline of the face, between the eyebrows and above the nose.
The procerus muscle allows you to move the skin between your eyebrows, depressing the medial end of the eyebrows and wrinkling the skin. This enables facial expressions, such as frowning.
The procerus muscle is made of tendinous fibres arising from the fascia covering the lower part of the nasal bone and upper part of the lateral nasal cartilage.
The procerus muscle is important for facial expressions and communication. Additionally, its overactivity can lead to the appearance of wrinkles, so it is often targeted in cosmetic treatments to reduce or correct wrinkles.











































