| Procerus muscle | |
| Latin: | musculus procerus, pyramidalis nasi, depressor glabellae |
| Origin: | From fascia over the lower part of the nasal bone |
| Insertion: | Into the skin of the lower part of the forehead between the eyebrows |
| Blood: | Facial artery |
| Nerve: | Temporal branch of the facial nerve |
| Action: | Draws down the medial angle of the eyebrow giving expressions of frowning |
The procerus muscle (or pyramidalis nasi) is a small pyramidal slip of muscle deep to the superior orbital nerve, artery and vein. Procerus is Latin, meaning tall or extended.
The procerus muscle arises by tendinous fibers from the fascia covering the lower part of the nasal bone and upper part of the lateral nasal cartilage. It is inserted into the skin over the lower part of the forehead between the two eyebrows on either side of the midline, its fibers merging with those of the frontalis muscle.[1]
The procerus muscle is supplied by the temporal branch of the facial nerve (VII).[2] It may also be supplied by other branches of the facial nerve, which can be varied, including the lower zygomatic branches. A supply from its buccal branch has also been described.[3] Its contraction can produce transverse wrinkles.
The procerus muscle helps to pull that part of the skin between the eyebrows downwards, which assists in flaring the nostrils. It can also contribute to an expression of anger.
See main article: articles and procerus sign.
Dystonia of the procerus muscle is involved in the procerus sign, which is indicative of progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP).[4]
The procerus muscle may be denervated to reduce furrow lines around the glabella caused by frowning. This may be for cosmetic purposes. Surgery can be used to transect the temporal branch of the facial nerve, although other branches of the facial nerve may also need to be cut.