The Procerus muscle, also known as the muscle of the nose, is a small, thin muscle located in the face. It is part of the orbicularis oculi muscle group, which is responsible for the movement of the eyelids and facial expression. The Procerus muscle is located in the area between the eyebrows, just above the nose.
Structure
The Procerus muscle is a narrow, triangular muscle that originates from the nasal bone and inserts into the skin of the forehead. It is made up of small, flat fibers that run horizontally across the forehead. The Procerus muscle is innervated by the temporal branch of the facial nerve (CN VII), which supplies the facial muscles with motor innervation.
Location
The Procerus muscle is located in the area between the eyebrows, just above the nose. It is situated in the superficial layer of the face, just beneath the skin. The Procerus muscle is located in close proximity to other muscles in the orbicularis oculi group, including the corrugator supercilii muscle and the orbicularis oculi muscle.
Function
The primary function of the Procerus muscle is to produce wrinkles in the forehead and to draw the skin of the forehead downward. This helps to create facial expressions such as anger, surprise, and worry. The Procerus muscle also plays a role in the contraction of the orbicularis oculi muscle, which is responsible for the movement of the eyelids.
Clinical significance
The Procerus muscle is often targeted in cosmetic surgery procedures such as Botox injections, which are used to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines in the forehead. Injections of Botox into the Procerus muscle can help to smooth out the skin and give the face a more youthful appearance.
In rare cases, the Procerus muscle may be affected by a condition called blepharospasm, which is characterized by involuntary contractions of the eyelids and facial muscles. This condition can cause difficulty in opening the eyes and may lead to functional blindness if left untreated. Treatment for blepharospasm typically involves the use of medications and/or botulinum toxin injections to relax the affected muscles.
