Procerus muscle

The procerus muscle (or pyramidalis nasi) is a small pyramidal slip of muscle deep to the

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,^[2] including the lower zygomatic branches. A supply from its buccal branch has also been described.^[3] Its contraction can produce transverse wrinkles.

Function

The procerus muscle helps to pull that part of the skin between the eyebrows downwards, which assists in flaring the

Dystonia of the procerus muscle is involved in the procerus sign, which is indicative of progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP).^[4]

Denervation

The procerus muscle may be denervated to reduce furrow lines around the glabella caused by frowning.^[2] 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.^[2]

Additional images

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  Procerus muscle (red).

References

This article incorporates text in the public domain from page 382 of the 20th edition of Gray's Anatomy (1918)