Scalp

Scalp

The Scalp is the anatomical area bordered by the face anteriorly and the neck to the sides and posteriorly. It is usually described as having five layers, which can conveniently be remembered as a mnemonic, SCALP: Skin, Connective tissue, Aponeurosis, Loose connective tissue, and Periosteum.

Anatomy

The scalp is the anatomical area that extends from the external occipital protuberance and superior nuchal lines to the supraorbital margins. The scalp consists of 5 layers: the skin, connective tissue, epicranial aponeurosis, loose connective tissue, and periosteum of the skull. The scalp is usually described as having five layers, which can conveniently be remembered as a mnemonic, SCALP: Skin, Connective tissue, Aponeurosis, Loose connective tissue, and Periosteum.

Skin

The skin on the scalp is thicker than in many other areas of the body, up to 7mm thick. It contains numerous sebaceous glands and hair follicles. Hair grows from these follicles and is lubricated by the sebaceous glands. The skin of the scalp is also home to a variety of ectoparasites.

Connective tissue

The connective tissue layer is richly vascularized and contains many fat cells. It is the layer that is primarily responsible for the scalp's ability to stretch and move.

Aponeurosis

The aponeurosis layer, also known as the galea aponeurotica, is a tough layer of dense fibrous tissue which runs from the frontalis muscle anteriorly to the occipitalis posteriorly.

Loose connective tissue

The loose connective tissue layer provides an easy plane of separation between the upper three layers and the periosteum of the skull. It also provides a pathway for emissary veins to communicate with the venous sinuses inside the skull.

Periosteum

The periosteum of the skull, also known as the pericranium, is the layer that is intimately attached to the skull. It provides nutrition to the bone and also serves as a point of attachment for muscles and ligaments.

See also

• Skin
• Connective tissue
• Aponeurosis
• Loose connective tissue
• Periosteum

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  Double cowlick
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  Layers of the scalp and meninges
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  Gray's Anatomy illustration of the scalp
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  Brain layers