The Muscular System Logo

All Muscles

Search Icon Search Icon

Occipitofrontalis

By

Della Barnes, an MS Anatomy graduate, blends medical research with accessible writing, simplifying complex anatomy for a better understanding and appreciation of human anatomy.

Avatar photo Della Barnes, MS Anatomy

Last updated:

10/01/2026
Avatar photo
Della Barnes, MS Anatomy
UX/UI Designer at - Adobe

Della Barnes, an MS Anatomy graduate, blends medical research with accessible writing, simplifying complex anatomy for a better understanding and appreciation of human anatomy.

The occipitofrontalis is a large, broad muscle spanning the entire cranium, from the occipital bone in the back to the frontal bone in the front. It forms the epicranial group of facial muscles, along with the temporoparietalis muscle. The occipitofrontalis is one of the primary muscular structures responsible for producing various facial expressions.

Anatomy and Attachments

It is made up of an occipital belly and a frontal belly, both named after their location on the cranium.

The two bellies are often considered to be separate muscles, connected via the epicranial aponeurosis that covers the top of the skull. They have unique attachments and neurovascular supplies:

NameOriginInsertionInnervationBlood Supply
Occipital Belly (Occipitalis)Superior nuchal line of the occipital boneBack of th epicranial aponeurosisOccipital branch of the posterior auricular nerve (CN VII)Occipital and posterior auricular arteries
Frontal Belly (Fronalis)Front of the epicranial aponeurosisThe fascia and skin around the eyebrow and root of the noseTemporal branch of the facial nerve (CN VII)Supraorbital and supratrochlear arteries

Function

It is one of the main muscles for facial expressions.

Role of the Frontal Belly (Fronalis)

  • Raising the eyebrows: When the epicranial aponeurosis is fixed, it lifts the eyebrows and forehead, producing expressions of surprise or shock.
  • Wrinkling the forehead: When the forehead skin is fixed, it helps pull the scalp forward, creating horizontal wrinkles, helping produce expressions of worry or concern.

Having no direct bony attachments leaves the frontal part to move the skin of the forehead and eyebrows freely.

Role of the Occipital Belly (Occipitalis)

  • Scalp retraction: When the nuchal attachment is fixed, it pulls the scalp backward.
  • Scalp protraction: When the aponeurosis is fixed, it can move the scalp forward.

Though these movements aren’t very functional alone, they stabilize the epicranial aponeurosis, enhancing the frontal belly’s ability to move the scalp and produce facial expressions.

References

  1. Occipitofrontalis Muscle: Kenhub.com
  2. Occipitofrontalis Muscle: Elsevier.com
  3. Occipitofrontalis Muscle | Action, Location & Insertion: Study.com
  4. Occipitofrontalis Muscle (Anatomy): PrimaryCareNotebook.com
Avatar photo
Della Barnes, MS AnatomyUX/UI Designer at - Adobe

Della Barnes, an MS Anatomy graduate, blends medical research with accessible writing, simplifying complex anatomy for a better understanding and appreciation of human anatomy.

Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

37 + = 47