Arneis

A small pyramid-shaped muscle of the face

The procerus muscle is a small, pyramid-shaped muscle located on the bridge of the nose. It is part of the facial musculature and plays a role in facial expression, particularly in the movement of the eyebrows and the skin of the forehead.

Anatomy

The procerus muscle originates from the fascia covering the lower part of the nasal bone and the upper part of the lateral nasal cartilage. It inserts into the skin of the lower part of the forehead between the eyebrows.

Function

The primary function of the procerus muscle is to pull the skin between the eyebrows downward, which contributes to the formation of horizontal wrinkles over the bridge of the nose. This action is often associated with expressions of frowning or concentration.

Innervation

The procerus muscle is innervated by the temporal branch of the facial nerve (cranial nerve VII). This nerve is responsible for controlling the muscles of facial expression.

Blood Supply

The blood supply to the procerus muscle is provided by branches of the facial artery and the ophthalmic artery.

Clinical Significance

The procerus muscle is often targeted in cosmetic procedures, such as botulinum toxin injections, to reduce the appearance of frown lines and wrinkles on the forehead. Overactivity of this muscle can contribute to the formation of deep lines between the eyebrows, commonly referred to as "glabellar lines."

Related Muscles

The procerus muscle works in conjunction with other muscles of facial expression, including the corrugator supercilii and the frontalis muscle. These muscles collectively influence the movement of the eyebrows and the skin of the forehead.

Gallery

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  Illustration of the procerus muscle

Related Pages

• Facial muscles
• Facial nerve
• Botulinum toxin