Corrugator Supercilii
Facial Expression · Head & Neck
The corrugator supercilii is a small, deeply placed muscle of facial expression that lies at the medial end of each eyebrow. It arises from the medial end of the superciliary arch of the frontal bone and passes upward and laterally to insert into the skin of the middle of the eyebrow, deep to the frontalis and orbicularis oculi. When it contracts it draws the eyebrows medially and downward, throwing the skin of the glabella into the vertical wrinkles associated with frowning and concentration; it also helps shade the eyes from bright light. Like the other muscles of facial expression, it is supplied by the facial nerve (CN VII), specifically its temporal and zygomatic branches.
Origin, Insertion, Action & Nerve
Origin
Medial end of the superciliary arch of the frontal bone
Insertion
Skin of the middle of the eyebrow, deep to frontalis and orbicularis oculi
Action
Draws the eyebrows medially and downward, producing vertical glabellar wrinkles (frowning)
Nerve
Temporal and zygomatic branches of facial nerve (CN VII)
Attachments explained
The Corrugator Supercilii is defined first by where it attaches. Its origin is the more fixed anchor, usually the proximal or more stable end that stays put during contraction, while its insertion is the more mobile point that is pulled toward the origin when the muscle shortens.
Origin
Medial end of the superciliary arch of the frontal bone
Insertion
Skin of the middle of the eyebrow, deep to frontalis and orbicularis oculi
Action & function
When the Corrugator Supercilii contracts, it produces the following movement: Draws the eyebrows medially and downward, producing vertical glabellar wrinkles (frowning).
As part of the Facial Expression group of the Head & Neck, it works alongside neighbouring muscles to generate smooth, coordinated movement and to stabilise the structures it acts on.
Nerve supply & clinical relevance
The Corrugator Supercilii receives its nerve supply from the Temporal and zygomatic branches of facial nerve (CN VII).
Because a muscle can only contract when its nerve is intact, injury to the Temporal and zygomatic branches of facial nerve can weaken or paralyse the Corrugator Supercilii, impairing the movements it normally produces (draws the eyebrows medially and downward, producing vertical glabellar wrinkles (frowning)). This is why knowing the innervation is central to localising nerve lesions in clinical practice.
How to study the Corrugator Supercilii (the OIANS method)
Fix the corrugator supercilii by its signature movement: it is the frowning muscle that stacks vertical creases between the brows. Because its origin is on the bone at the medial end of the superciliary arch and its insertion is out in the skin of the mid eyebrow, its pull is medial and downward, which is exactly the geometry that puckers the glabella. Picture furrowing your brow and you have both the action and the fibre direction.
Group it with the other glabellar depressors, the procerus and depressor supercilii, all of which are driven by the facial nerve and all of which lower or knit the brow. Remembering that it lies deep to frontalis and orbicularis oculi helps explain why it is a common target for clinical botulinum injections aimed at softening frown lines, and it keeps the corrugator distinct from the surface muscles that overlie it.
Frequently asked questions
Where is the Corrugator Supercilii located?
The Corrugator Supercilii is a muscle of the Facial Expression group, located in the Head & Neck.
What is the origin of the Corrugator Supercilii?
Medial end of the superciliary arch of the frontal bone
What is the insertion of the Corrugator Supercilii?
Skin of the middle of the eyebrow, deep to frontalis and orbicularis oculi
What movements does the Corrugator Supercilii produce?
Draws the eyebrows medially and downward, producing vertical glabellar wrinkles (frowning)
What nerve supplies the Corrugator Supercilii?
Temporal and zygomatic branches of facial nerve (CN VII)
Is the Corrugator Supercilii free to study in OIANS?
The Corrugator Supercilii is always free to browse. Its full origin, insertion, action and nerve details are open to everyone in the Muscle Directory. Quiz and Flashcard practice for the Head & Neck is part of the one-time Lifetime upgrade, though; only the Upper Limb decks are free to test yourself on.
Related muscles
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