Epicranial aponeurosis

Epicranial aponeurosis (also known as galea aponeurotica) is a tough layer of dense fibrous tissue which covers the upper part of the cranium in humans and various other animals. It is a broad and thin tendinous sheet that serves as a muscle attachment and is located between the scalp and the skull.

Etymology

The term "epicranial" is derived from the Greek words "epi", meaning "upon", and "kranion", meaning "skull". "Aponeurosis" is derived from the Greek words "apo", meaning "off" or "away", and "neuron", meaning "sinew" or "nerve".

Anatomy

The epicranial aponeurosis is attached anteriorly to the frontalis muscle and posteriorly to the occipitalis muscle. It is also connected to the temporalis muscle on the sides of the head. The epicranial aponeurosis is responsible for the movements of the scalp.

Clinical significance

The epicranial aponeurosis is significant in surgical procedures involving the scalp. It acts as a barrier to prevent the spread of infections from the scalp to the meninges, the protective layers of the brain. Injuries to the epicranial aponeurosis can lead to hematoma or abscess formation.

Related terms

• Aponeurosis: A type or variant of dense connective tissue which attaches muscles to each other or to bones.
• Galea: A term used in anatomy to denote a tough, fibrous layer of tissue.
• Occipitofrontalis muscle: A muscle which covers parts of the skull. It consists of two parts, the frontalis muscle and the occipitalis muscle, connected by the epicranial aponeurosis.

See also

• Scalp
• Cranium
• Frontalis muscle
• Occipitalis muscle

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  Side views of the muscles of facial expressions
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  Epicranial aponeurosis