Procerus
Facial Expression · Head & Neck
The procerus is a small, slip-like muscle of facial expression positioned over the bridge of the nose. It arises from the fascia covering the lower nasal bone and upper lateral nasal cartilage and runs upward to insert into the skin of the lower forehead between the eyebrows, over the glabella. When it contracts it draws down the medial angle of the eyebrows, producing the transverse wrinkles across the root of the nose that accompany frowning and concentration. Like all the muscles of facial expression it is a muscle of the second pharyngeal arch and is supplied by the facial nerve (CN VII), here by its temporal and zygomatic branches. It works in functional partnership with the corrugator supercilii and the orbital part of orbicularis oculi during frowning.
Origin, Insertion, Action & Nerve
Origin
Fascia over the lower nasal bone and upper lateral nasal cartilage
Insertion
Skin of the lower forehead between the eyebrows (glabella)
Action
Draws down the medial angle of the eyebrows, producing transverse wrinkles over the bridge of the nose
Nerve
Temporal and zygomatic branches of facial nerve (CN VII)
Attachments explained
The Procerus 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
Fascia over the lower nasal bone and upper lateral nasal cartilage
Insertion
Skin of the lower forehead between the eyebrows (glabella)
Action & function
When the Procerus contracts, it produces the following movement: Draws down the medial angle of the eyebrows, producing transverse wrinkles over the bridge of the nose.
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 Procerus 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 Procerus, impairing the movements it normally produces (draws down the medial angle of the eyebrows, producing transverse wrinkles over the bridge of the nose). This is why knowing the innervation is central to localising nerve lesions in clinical practice.
How to study the Procerus (the OIANS method)
Understand the procerus by its vertical line of pull between the nose and the glabella. Because it runs upward from the nasal bridge into the skin between the brows, its contraction pulls that skin down and creates the horizontal creases over the nasal root; miming a scowl or squint against bright light makes the action obvious. Place it mentally at the very centre of the brow, distinct from the more laterally placed corrugator supercilii.
Group the procerus with the other frowning muscles so its innervation stays consistent: it is a muscle of facial expression and therefore supplied by the facial nerve (CN VII), through its temporal and zygomatic branches. A helpful contrast is that the procerus and corrugator both produce frown lines but in different directions, transverse for procerus and vertical for corrugator, which keeps the two clearly separated in memory.
Frequently asked questions
Where is the Procerus located?
The Procerus is a muscle of the Facial Expression group, located in the Head & Neck.
What is the origin of the Procerus?
Fascia over the lower nasal bone and upper lateral nasal cartilage
What is the insertion of the Procerus?
Skin of the lower forehead between the eyebrows (glabella)
What movements does the Procerus produce?
Draws down the medial angle of the eyebrows, producing transverse wrinkles over the bridge of the nose
What nerve supplies the Procerus?
Temporal and zygomatic branches of facial nerve (CN VII)
Is the Procerus free to study in OIANS?
The Procerus 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
Study the Procerus
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