Galea aponeurotica

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 also known as the epicranial aponeurosis.

Anatomy

The galea aponeurotica is located between the scalp and the skull. It is attached to the frontalis and occipitalis muscles, which lie anterior and posterior to it respectively. The galea aponeurotica acts as a tendon for these muscles, allowing them to move the scalp.

The galea aponeurotica is continuous with the temporal fascia laterally and with the periosteum of the skull bone medially. It is also connected to the superficial temporal artery and superficial temporal vein, which supply blood to the scalp.

Function

The primary function of the galea aponeurotica is to facilitate the movement of the scalp. The frontalis muscle pulls the scalp forward, while the occipitalis muscle pulls it backward. The galea aponeurotica allows these movements by acting as a sliding layer between the scalp and the skull.

In addition, the galea aponeurotica also plays a role in the expression of emotions. The frontalis muscle, which is attached to the galea aponeurotica, is responsible for raising the eyebrows and wrinkling the forehead, expressions commonly associated with surprise or worry.

Clinical significance

Injuries to the galea aponeurotica can lead to hematoma or seroma formation, due to the space it creates between the scalp and the skull. It can also be involved in certain surgical procedures, such as scalp reduction surgery for baldness.

See also

• Aponeurosis
• Frontalis muscle
• Occipitalis muscle
• Scalp