MUSCLES OF THE HEAD AND SCALP
MUSCLES OF THE HEAD AND SCALP
A. OCCIPITOFRONTALIS
Flat digastric muscle with two bellies:
One. Frontal belly
Origin: Epicranial aponeurosis
Insertion: Skin and Subcutaneous tissue of eyebrows and forehead
Actions:
Elevates eyebrows
Contraction of the frontal belly protracts (pulls forward) the scalp
Transverse wrinkles across the forehead
Gives the face a surprised look
Two. Occipital belly
Two. Occipital belly
Origin: Lateral two-thirds of superior nuchal line
Insertion: Epicranial aponeurosis
Action:
Contraction of the occipital belly retracts (pulls back) the scalp
The occipital belly with bony attachments works as a synergist with the frontal belly
Retracts the scalp; increasing effectiveness of frontal belly
Connection: Both bellies share a common tendon called the epicranial aponeurosis, which is a layer of the scalp.