The glabella is a small, smooth prominence located between the eyebrows on the forehead. It is a key landmark in anatomy, as it serves as a reference point for a variety of cranial and facial measurements.
Structure
The glabella is formed by the underlying bones of the skull, specifically the frontal bone and the nasal bones. It is a small, slightly elevated region located at the midline of the forehead, between the eyebrows. The glabella is bordered by the supraorbital ridge, which is a prominent bony ridge located above the eye sockets, and the nasion, which is the point where the nasal bones meet the frontal bone.
The glabella is composed of a thin layer of skin and subcutaneous fat, which is supported by a layer of connective tissue called the superficial fascia. Beneath the superficial fascia, the glabella is composed of a layer of underlying bone and muscle. The frontal bone and nasal bones are thin and relatively flat, giving the glabella its smooth, convex appearance.
Location
The glabella is located at the midline of the forehead, between the eyebrows. It is the highest point on the forehead, and is easily visible and palpable. The glabella is located just above the eyebrows and the nasal bones, and is bordered by the supraorbital ridge on either side.
Function
The glabella serves as a key reference point in anatomy and is used in a variety of cranial and facial measurements. In particular, the glabella is used to measure the distance between the eyebrows, which is a key factor in determining the height of the face. It is also used to measure the distance between the nasion and the glabella, which is known as the interglabellar distance. This measurement is used to determine the width of the face, and is an important factor in facial aesthetics and plastic surgery.
In addition to its role in facial measurements, the glabella is also important in facial expressions and communication. The muscles of the forehead and eyebrows, including the frontalis and orbicularis oculi muscles, are responsible for raising and lowering the eyebrows and wrinkling the forehead. These muscles play a key role in facial expressions, and are responsible for conveying a wide range of emotions, including surprise, anger, and disgust.
Clinical Significance
The glabella is an important reference point in a variety of medical and surgical procedures. In plastic surgery, the glabella is used as a reference point for a variety of facial procedures, including brow lifts and forehead rejuvenation. It is also used in the assessment of cranial fractures, as the glabella is often involved in head injuries. In addition, the glabella is used in the assessment of facial asymmetry, and is an important reference point in the diagnosis and treatment of craniofacial abnormalities.
The glabella is also a common site for the development of skin lesions, including moles, freckles, and skin cancer. It is important to monitor the skin over the glabella for any changes in size, shape, or color, and to have any suspicious lesions evaluated by a healthcare provider.
