Depressor supercilii muscle

From WikiMD's Food, Medicine & Wellnesspedia

Depressor supercilii muscle is a small muscle located in the facial region of the human body. It is considered part of the orbicularis oculi muscle group, which is responsible for various movements of the eye and eyebrow.

Etymology[edit | edit source]

The term "depressor supercilii" is derived from Latin, where "depressor" means "one that lowers" and "supercilii" refers to the eyebrow. Thus, the name of the muscle reflects its function, which is to lower the eyebrow.

Anatomy[edit | edit source]

The depressor supercilii muscle originates from the medial orbital rim and inserts into the medial part of the orbicularis oculi muscle. It is innervated by the facial nerve, specifically the temporal branch and the zygomatic branch.

Function[edit | edit source]

The primary function of the depressor supercilii muscle is to pull the eyebrow downward, contributing to facial expressions such as frowning. It also assists in the closure of the eye by pulling the skin of the forehead towards the eyelid.

Clinical significance[edit | edit source]

Due to its role in facial expressions, the depressor supercilii muscle is often targeted in cosmetic surgery and Botox treatments to reduce the appearance of frown lines and wrinkles. Additionally, damage to the facial nerve can result in paralysis of the depressor supercilii muscle, leading to conditions such as Bell's palsy.

See also[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]


Depressor supercilii muscle Resources
Doctor showing form.jpg
Wiki.png

Navigation: Wellness - Encyclopedia - Health topics - Disease Index‏‎ - Drugs - World Directory - Gray's Anatomy - Keto diet - Recipes

Search WikiMD


Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro) available.
Advertise on WikiMD

WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. See full disclaimer.

Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.


Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD