Procerus

Muscle of the human nose

The Procerus is a small, pyramidal-shaped muscle located between the eyebrows and over the bridge of the nose. It is part of the facial muscles and plays a role in facial expressions.

Anatomy

The Procerus muscle originates from the fascia covering the lower part of the nasal bone and the upper part of the lateral nasal cartilage. It inserts into the skin of the lower part of the forehead between the eyebrows. The muscle fibers run upward and slightly outward.

Function

The primary function of the Procerus muscle is to pull the skin between the eyebrows downward, which contributes to the formation of horizontal wrinkles over the bridge of the nose. This action is often associated with expressions of frowning or concentration.

Innervation

The Procerus muscle is innervated by the temporal branch of the facial nerve (cranial nerve VII).

Blood Supply

The blood supply to the Procerus muscle is provided by branches of the facial artery and the ophthalmic artery.

Clinical Significance

The Procerus muscle is often targeted in cosmetic surgery and botulinum toxin (Botox) injections to reduce the appearance of frown lines and wrinkles between the eyebrows. Dysfunction or paralysis of the Procerus muscle can affect facial expressions and may be a sign of underlying neurological conditions.

Related Muscles

The Procerus muscle works in conjunction with other muscles of facial expression, including the frontalis muscle, orbicularis oculi, and corrugator supercilii.

See Also

• Facial muscles
• Facial nerve
• Botulinum toxin
• Cosmetic surgery