Muscle
Occipitofrontalis
Raises the eyebrows
High-yield
Frontal belly raises the eyebrows and wrinkles the forehead ("surprise"); CN VII. Frontalis sparing helps localise a facial palsy as central.
Overview
A muscle with frontal and occipital bellies joined by the epicranial aponeurosis that wrinkles the forehead and raises the eyebrows.
Reference facts
- Origin
- Epicranial aponeurosis (frontal belly); lateral two-thirds of the superior nuchal line and the mastoid process (occipital belly)
- Insertion
- Skin of the eyebrows and forehead (frontal belly); epicranial aponeurosis (occipital belly)
- Action
- Frontal belly elevates the eyebrows and wrinkles the forehead; occipital belly retracts the scalp
- Innervation
- Temporal and posterior auricular branches of the facial nerve (CN VII)
- Blood supply
- Supratrochlear, supraorbital, and occipital arteries
Frequently asked questions
What does the occipitofrontalis do?
The occipitofrontalis frontal belly elevates the eyebrows and wrinkles the forehead; occipital belly retracts the scalp.
What nerve innervates the occipitofrontalis?
The occipitofrontalis is innervated by the temporal and posterior auricular branches of the facial nerve (CN VII).
Where does the occipitofrontalis attach?
The occipitofrontalis originates from the epicranial aponeurosis (frontal belly); lateral two-thirds of the superior nuchal line and the mastoid process (occipital belly) and inserts on the skin of the eyebrows and forehead (frontal belly); epicranial aponeurosis (occipital belly).
What is the blood supply of the occipitofrontalis?
The occipitofrontalis is supplied by the supratrochlear, supraorbital, and occipital arteries.