Epicranius Muscle

The Epicranius, also known as the occipitofrontalis muscle, is a broad muscle that covers the skull and consists of two main parts: the occipitalis and the frontalis. These parts are connected by a tendon known as the epicranial aponeurosis. The occipitalis is located at the back of the head, while the frontalis is situated over the forehead. The primary function of the epicranius is to control facial expressions, specifically raising the eyebrows and wrinkling the forehead. The frontalis muscle is responsible for elevating the eyebrows, while the occipitalis aids in retracting the scalp. Together, they play a significant role in facial expressions related to emotions, such as surprise or curiosity. The epicranius receives innervation from the facial nerve (cranial nerve VII) and is involved in a variety of voluntary and involuntary movements. This muscle's actions are important in non-verbal communication and contribute to the overall aesthetics of facial expressions.