Maximus Gage
The human face has about 20 main facial muscles, which are essential for chewing and making facial expressions. One of the most important muscles for facial expressions is the frontalis muscle, which is the only muscle that raises the eyebrows. The corrugator supercilii muscle, on the other hand, draws the eyebrows downward and is responsible for frowning or expressing surprise.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Muscle that raises eyebrows | Frontalis |
| Muscle that draws eyebrows downward and together | Corrugator supercilii |
| Muscle that closes the eye | Orbicularis oculi |
| Muscle that lifts scalp and eyebrows | Occipitofrontalis |
| Muscle that pulls brows downward | Procerus |
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What You'll Learn
The frontalis muscle lifts the eyebrows
The frontalis muscle is the only muscle that raises the eyebrows. It spans the entire forehead from the eyebrows to the hairline. When you raise your eyebrows in surprise or open your eyes wide, you engage the frontalis muscle. This muscle is also responsible for wrinkling the forehead when you are surprised or concerned.
The frontalis muscle is located on the front of the head and is part of a larger structure referred to as the occipitofrontalis. The occipitofrontalis is composed of two muscle bellies: the frontalis and the occipitalis, which are attached and encased by dense connective tissue called the epicranial aponeurosis or galea aponeurotica. The occipital part of the occipitofrontalis muscle moves the scalp forward, while the frontalis part lifts the brows and moves the anterior scalp backward.
The frontalis muscle is thin and has a quadrilateral form. It is broader than the occipitalis, and its fibres are longer and paler in colour. The muscle has no bony attachments, and its medial fibres are continuous with those of the procerus muscle. The frontalis muscle generally inserts at the eyebrow dermis and terminates laterally at the temporal ridge, with some variance observed. It is the sole elevator of the eyebrows, while other muscles such as the orbicularis oculi, corrugators, and procerus muscles contribute to pulling the brows down.
The balance between these muscles determines the eyebrow position and shape. Injecting neuromodulators like Botox into the frontalis muscle can smooth out horizontal lines on the forehead by weakening its lifting action. However, over-injecting can result in brow ptosis or droop because the muscle can no longer counterbalance the downward pull of the muscles around the eyes. Therefore, understanding the underlying anatomy and the functions of these muscles is crucial when considering cosmetic procedures involving the forehead.
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The corrugator supercilii draws eyebrows downward
The corrugator supercilii is a small, narrow, and pyramidal muscle in the face. It is responsible for drawing the eyebrows downward and bringing them together. This muscle is located deep below the eyebrows and the orbicularis oculi muscle.
The corrugator supercilii is the prime mover of the eyebrows, allowing for expressions such as frowning or looking surprised. It arises from the medial end of the superciliary arch, passing upward and laterally to insert into the skin of the eyebrow. This action of drawing the eyebrows together and downward is exclusive to the corrugator supercilii, while other muscles such as the orbicularis oculi close the eyes, and the frontalis lifts the eyebrows.
The corrugator supercilii draws the eyebrows downward, creating vertical "frowning" wrinkles on the forehead. This muscle acts in tandem with the orbicularis oculi muscle, which surrounds the eye. When contracted, the corrugator supercilii moves the eyebrows downward and together, which often occurs when a person is experiencing emotions such as anger, confusion, or suffering.
The corrugator supercilii is also involved in shielding the eyes from strong sunlight. It contracts to pull the eyebrows toward the bridge of the nose, creating a roof-like structure that shades the eyes from excessive brightness. This muscle is sometimes surgically altered or paralysed with botulinum toxin (Botox) for aesthetic reasons or as a preventive treatment for certain types of migraines.
The balance between the corrugator supercilii and its antagonist muscles, including the frontalis, determines the eyebrow position and shape. Understanding the underlying anatomy of these muscles is crucial when considering cosmetic procedures such as fillers or Botox injections to avoid undesired effects and potential complications.
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The orbicularis oculi closes the eyelids
The orbicularis oculi is a muscle in the face that closes the eyelids. It is the only muscle with this function. This muscle is situated just beneath the skin of the eyelids and extends from the medial to the lateral canthal region, supporting the structural integrity and functionality of the eyelids. The orbicularis oculi is a sphincter-like muscle that surrounds the eye.
The muscle is divided into two sections: the orbital and the palpebral. The palpebral part is also referred to as the lacrimal part. This part originates from the lateral surface and lacrimal crest (superior part) of the lacrimal bone. The fibres of the lacrimal part pass behind the lacrimal sac. The orbital portion is thicker and of a reddish colour. It is also subject to conscious control.
The contraction of the orbital part of the orbicularis oculi draws the skin of the forehead and cheek towards the nose, which can partially or completely close the eyelids. This protective function helps to limit exposure to potential damage from bright light or blowing dust. The contraction of the palpebral part results in finer control of the eyelids. These muscle fibres pull the upper eyelids down and raise the lower ones, gently closing the eyelids, for example, when blinking or sleeping. The palpebral part can also involuntarily close the eyelids as a reflex mechanism.
The orbicularis oculi also has an important role in tear drainage. The lacrimal part of the muscle draws the eyelids and the ends of the lacrimal canals medialward and compresses them against the surface of the globe of the eye, creating a vacuum that sucks tears into the lacrimal sac. The muscle also compresses the lacrimal sac and gland, further improving tear flow.
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The procerus pulls brows downward
The procerus muscle, also known as the pyramidalis nasi, is a small, triangular muscle in the forehead region of the head. It is involved in making facial expressions, particularly those associated with frowning and attentional control. It is also responsible for shielding the eyes from bright light. Located in the midline of the face, the procerus muscle sits deep within the skin that covers the root of the nose and glabella, the region between the eyebrows.
The procerus muscle pulls the skin between the eyebrows downward, contributing to horizontal wrinkles at the top of the nose, often called "bunny lines." This downward pull creates a tug-of-war effect across the forehead, where the brows lower when the muscles pulling down are stronger or more active. This action can be counterbalanced by the frontalis muscle, which is the only muscle in the forehead that lifts the brows.
The procerus is a significant muscle for facial expressions, and its contraction depresses the medial parts of the eyebrows, pulling them downward and inward, which enables frowning. This muscle is often targeted in non-surgical facial rejuvenation treatments, such as botulinum toxin (Botox) injections, to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and soften expressions of anger or frustration.
The procerus muscle originates from the nasal bone and the upper part of the lateral nasal cartilage. Its muscle fibres diverge superiorly and insert into the dermis of the skin over the glabella. This muscle is supplied by the temporal branch of the facial nerve (CN VII) and receives blood from the angular and lateral nasal branches of the facial artery.
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The occipitofrontalis lifts scalp and eyebrows
The occipitofrontalis 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 muscle bellies: the frontal belly (frontalis) and the occipital belly (occipitalis), which are attached and encased by dense connective tissue called the epicranial aponeurosis or galea aponeurotica.
The function of the occipitofrontalis muscle is to elevate the eyebrows and wrinkle the forehead skin with its frontal part, and to retract the scalp with its occipital part. The frontalis muscle is the only muscle in the forehead that lifts the brows. It spans the entire forehead from the eyebrows to the hairline. When you raise your eyebrows in surprise or open your eyes wide, you engage the frontalis.
The occipital part of the occipitofrontalis muscle moves the scalp forwards, and the frontalis part lifts the brows and moves the anterior scalp backward. When the frontalis muscle contracts, the vertical fibers pull the skin of the eyebrows upward. The superficial musculoaponeurotic system (SMAS) continues above the zygomatic arch and includes the temporoparietal fascia (as it blends into the galea) and the frontalis muscle as part of the SMAS.
The corrugator supercilii muscle is located under the eyebrows and controls the eyebrows by drawing them in and downward. It is the prime mover of the eyebrows, allowing for expressions such as frowning or looking surprised. While the occipitofrontalis lifts the scalp and eyebrows, it is the corrugator supercilii that is exclusively in charge of drawing the eyebrows together and downward.
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Frequently asked questions
The frontalis muscle is the only muscle that raises the eyebrows.
Yes, the corrugator supercilii muscle draws the eyebrows downward and together, allowing for expressions such as frowning or looking surprised.
The orbicularis oculi muscle encircles the eye and is responsible for closing the eyelids. The procerus muscle is situated at the bridge of the nose and helps in the expression of disdain or anger.
The frontalis muscle plays a significant role in our day-to-day social interactions. Its function goes beyond keeping the brows out of one’s visual field; it is also necessary for conveying emotions and nonverbal communication.
The frontalis muscle is made up of vertical striations in a fan-like distribution. It originates posteriorly from the galea aponeurotica, which corresponds with the hairline. It inserts at the eyebrow dermis and terminates laterally at the temporal ridge.
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