Forehead

Forehead

A male forehead

The forehead is an anatomical feature of the human body, located at the upper part of the face. It is the area between the hairline and the eyebrows, extending laterally to the temples. The forehead plays a significant role in facial expressions and is a key area in aesthetic and reconstructive surgery.

Anatomy

The forehead is primarily composed of the frontal bone, which forms the anterior part of the skull. The frontal bone is a single bone in adults, but it originates from two separate bones that fuse during early childhood. The forehead also includes the frontal sinuses, which are air-filled cavities that help reduce the weight of the skull and contribute to the resonance of the voice.

The skin of the forehead is relatively thin and contains numerous sebaceous glands, which can make it prone to acne and other skin conditions. Beneath the skin, the frontalis muscle is responsible for raising the eyebrows and creating horizontal forehead wrinkles.

Function

The forehead serves several functions:

• Protection: The frontal bone provides protection for the brain and the frontal lobes, which are involved in complex cognitive functions such as reasoning, planning, and problem-solving.
• Expression: The forehead is crucial for non-verbal communication. Movements of the eyebrows and forehead muscles convey emotions such as surprise, anger, and concern.
• Aesthetics: The shape and size of the forehead contribute to the overall appearance of the face. It is a focus in cosmetic procedures such as forehead lifts and botox injections.

Clinical Significance

The forehead can be affected by various medical conditions, including:

• Trauma: Injuries to the forehead can result in lacerations, contusions, or fractures of the frontal bone.
• Skin Conditions: The forehead is a common site for dermatological issues such as seborrheic dermatitis, psoriasis, and melanoma.
• Headaches: Tension-type headaches often manifest as pain in the forehead region.

Related Pages

• Frontal bone
• Frontalis muscle
• Facial expression
• Cosmetic surgery