Dominic Stone
The scalp is a layer of skin and subcutaneous tissue that covers the cranium. It is composed of five layers: the skin, connective tissue layer, galea aponeurotica, loose areolar connective tissue, and the pericranium. The scalp is an area where hair grows and serves as a physical barrier to protect the cranial vault from trauma and potential pathogens. The scalp also plays a role in aesthetics and sexual signalling. Interestingly, the scalp can be a place where tension is held, similar to the jaw or shoulders, and this can lead to headaches. The largest muscle involved in scalp tension is the temporalis muscle, which runs from behind the ear, around the head, and to the back.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of layers | 5 |
| First layer | Skin |
| Second layer | Connective tissue |
| Third layer | Aponeurosis/Epicranial aponeurosis/Galea aponeurotica |
| Fourth layer | Loose areolar connective tissue |
| Fifth layer | Periosteum/Pericranium |
| Motor innervation | Occipitofrontalis muscle |
| Largest muscle | Temporalis muscle |
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What You'll Learn
The largest muscle in the scalp is the temporalis muscle
The scalp is a layer of skin and subcutaneous tissue that covers the cranium. It is composed of five layers: the skin, connective tissue layer, galea aponeurotica, loose areolar connective tissue, and the pericranium. The scalp is important aesthetically as hair grows on it, but it also serves as a physical barrier that defends the body from foreign irritation.
The anterior portion of the temporalis muscle runs vertically, and its contraction results in the elevation of the mandible (closing the mouth). The posterior portion has fibres that run horizontally, and contraction of this portion results in retrusion of the mandible. The unilateral contraction of the temporalis muscle plays an important role in the side-to-side movement of the jaw.
Tension in the temporalis muscle can induce pain in the temporal area and headaches. This tension can be caused by bruxism, the habitual grinding of teeth, or clenching of the jaw due to stress. Scalp massages can help to relieve tension in the scalp and promote relaxation.
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The occipitofrontalis muscle has two bellies
The occipitofrontalis muscle, also known as the epicranius muscle, has two bellies: the occipital belly and the frontal belly. The two bellies are connected by the epicranial aponeurosis, which is the aponeurosis that makes the third layer of the scalp. The occipital belly originates on the superior nuchal line of the occipital bone and inserts on the epicranial aponeurosis, while the frontal belly originates on the epicranial aponeurosis and inserts on the skin superior to the eyes and nose.
The occipital belly is innervated by the posterior auricular nerve, which receives blood from the occipital artery and its branches. The frontal belly is innervated by the temporal nerve and receives blood from the supraorbital and supratrochlear arteries. When the occipital belly contracts, it retracts the scalp, and when the frontal belly contracts, it protracts the scalp. When the two bellies work together, they can move the scalp backward and forward, elevate the eyebrows, and wrinkle the forehead, creating facial expressions of surprise or shock.
The occipitofrontalis muscle is found deep within the subcutaneous tissue of the skin of the scalp and is superficial to the periosteum of the skull. It is one of the muscles responsible for facial expressions and scalp tension, along with the corrugator supercilii, orbicularis oculi, and procerus muscles.
Scalp tension can be caused by stress and poor posture, and it can lead to headaches or migraines. Scalp massages are recommended to relieve tension and can be done with oils such as jojoba or sweet almond oil.
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The occipital belly of the occipitofrontalis muscle draws the scalp back
The scalp is a layer of skin and subcutaneous tissue that covers the cranium. It extends from the supraorbital margins on the frontal bone to the superior nuchal line on the occipital bone. The scalp is made up of five layers: skin, connective tissue, aponeurosis, loose areolar connective tissue, and pericranium. The skin of the scalp contains hair follicles and sebaceous glands. The nerves, lymphatics, and vascular supply of the scalp reside in the dense connective tissue layer.
The occipitofrontalis muscle, which has two bellies, is responsible for tensing the scalp. The occipital belly of the occipitofrontalis muscle draws the scalp back when it contracts. This muscle originates on the superior nuchal line of the occipital bone and inserts on the epicranial aponeurosis. The occipital belly is innervated by the posterior auricular nerve.
The frontal belly of the occipitofrontalis muscle has an opposite action to the occipital belly. When the frontal belly contracts, it protracts the scalp. It originates on the epicranial aponeurosis and inserts on the skin superior to the eyes and nose. The frontal belly is innervated by the temporal nerve.
Together, the occipital and frontal bellies of the occipitofrontalis muscle elevate the eyebrows and wrinkle the forehead, creating a look of surprise. The occipitofrontalis muscle is the muscle responsible for pulling the scalp back and tensing it, which can lead to headaches and even migraines in some cases.
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The frontal belly of the occipitofrontalis muscle protracts the scalp
The occipitofrontalis muscle is a long and wide muscle of the scalp, spanning from the eyebrows to the superior nuchal lines of occipital bones. It is composed of two muscular bellies—the frontal belly and the occipital belly—each containing a pair of quadrangular muscle heads. The frontal belly overlies the forehead and has no bony attachments. Its superficial fibres originate from the dermis of the skin and subcutaneous tissue of the eyebrows, while deeper fibres arise from the superior parts of the procerus, orbicularis oculi, and corrugator supercilii muscles.
The frontal belly of the occipitofrontalis muscle arises from the epicranial aponeurosis, near the coronal suture, and inserts into the skin of the eyebrow and root of the nose. When the frontal belly contracts, it moves the scalp forward, protracting the scalp. This action also elevates the eyebrows and wrinkles the forehead, producing a facial expression of shock or surprise. The ability to perform these movements on only one half of the face is due to the separation of the muscle heads of the frontal belly.
The occipital belly, on the other hand, draws the scalp backwards when its nuchal part is fixed. When its aponeurotic attachment is fixed, it moves the scalp forward. The occipital belly overlies the back of the skull and originates from the superior nuchal lines of the occipital bone. The occipital and frontal bellies are connected by a thick fibrous sheath called the epicranial aponeurosis (galea aponeurotica), onto which both bellies attach.
The occipitofrontalis muscle is generally regarded as a single muscle, but it is composed of two physiologically and anatomically distinct sections that independently influence the positions of the eyebrow and hairline. The frontal belly is voluntarily contracted when making facial expressions, whereas the occipital belly is involuntarily contracted in most Japanese people. These movements are relatively insignificant in isolation, but when they occur simultaneously with contractions of the frontal belly, they help move the entire scalp backward and forward, respectively.
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Botox can be used to relax the scalp muscles
The scalp is a layer of skin and subcutaneous tissue that covers the cranium. It is composed of five layers: the skin, connective tissue layer, galea aponeurotica, loose areolar connective tissue, and the pericranium. The galea aponeurotica, also called the epicranial aponeurosis, is a strong and immobile connective tissue layer continuous with the occipitofrontalis muscle. The occipitofrontalis muscle has two bellies, connected by the epicranial aponeurosis. When the frontal belly contracts, it protracts the scalp, and when the occipital belly contracts, it draws the scalp back.
The scalp is a place where people may hold tension, much like the jaw or shoulders. The largest muscle in the scalp is the temporalis muscle, which runs from behind the ear, around the head, and to the back. People may constrict the muscles in the scalp when they are stressed or anxious, leading to tension. This tension can cause headaches and discomfort.
The treatment process for Botox for scalp tension begins with a consultation to tailor the approach to the patient's needs, followed by treatment sessions targeting specific injection sites. The injection sites are carefully chosen based on the patient's unique needs, with common areas including the front and back of the scalp, where tension often accumulates. The precision of these injections is crucial to ensure the treatment is effective while minimising any potential side effects.
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Frequently asked questions
The occipitofrontalis muscle, which has two bellies, is the motor innervation of the scalp. The frontal belly, or frontalis muscle, is supplied by the temporal branch of the facial nerve, while the occipital belly, or occipitalis, is supplied by the posterior auricular branch of the facial nerve.
Many people are unaware that they are holding tension in their scalps, similar to the jaw or shoulders. You can test this by placing your palm on the crown of your head and trying to move your skin around. If you are unable to do so, your scalp may be tense.
Scalp massages can help to relieve tension in the scalp. It is recommended to start by lightly wetting the pads of your fingers with an oil, such as jojoba or sweet almond oil, and then using your fingers to comb down, applying pressure so you can feel the skin the entire way down from your forehead to the back. You can also place your fingers on each side of your scalp and rub in circular motions.
