Occipitofrontalis Muscle

Occipitofrontalis Muscle

Give the origin, insertion, nerve supply and actions of the occipitofrontalis muscle.
Answer.

The occipitofrontalis muscle along with epicranial aponeurosis forms the third layer of the scalp. This muscle consists of four bellies: two occipital bellies and two frontal bellies.

Occipitofrontalis Muscle Origin

Occipitofrontalis Muscle Occipital bellies: From lateral two-third of superior nuchal lines of the occipital bone.

Frontal bellies: From subcutaneous tissue of eyebrows and root of the nose where it blends with orbicularis oculi muscle.

Insertion Into epicranial aponeurosis (galea aponeurotica).

Nerve supply Posterior auricular and temporal branches of the facial nerve.

Occipitofrontalis Muscle Actions

• Moves the scalp forward and backwards by alternate contractions of frontal and occipital bellies.
• Occipital bellies draw the epicranial aponeurosis backwards, allowing the frontal bellies to contract, and cause transverse wrinkles in the skin of the forehead.