Epicranium

Epicranium is a term used in anatomy to refer to the upper part of the cranium, which is covered by the scalp. The epicranium includes the skin, subcutaneous tissue, and two layers of fascia: the superficial temporal fascia and the galea aponeurotica.

Structure

The epicranium is composed of several layers. The outermost layer is the skin, which contains hair follicles, sweat glands, and sebaceous glands. Beneath the skin is a layer of subcutaneous tissue, which contains blood vessels and nerves that supply the scalp. The next layer is the superficial temporal fascia, a thin layer of connective tissue. The deepest layer of the epicranium is the galea aponeurotica, a tough layer of dense fibrous tissue that covers the top and sides of the skull.

Function

The epicranium serves several important functions. It provides protection for the skull and brain, helps regulate body temperature, and plays a role in facial expression. The muscles attached to the galea aponeurotica, such as the frontalis muscle and the occipitalis muscle, allow for movement of the scalp and eyebrows.

Clinical significance

Injuries to the epicranium, such as cuts or burns, can be serious because of the rich blood supply to this area. Infections can also spread rapidly in the loose connective tissue of the scalp. Conditions that affect the epicranium include alopecia, a condition that causes hair loss, and scalp psoriasis, a skin condition that causes red, itchy patches on the scalp.

See also

• Cranium
• Scalp
• Frontalis muscle
• Occipitalis muscle

References

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