Cranial part of muscular system

Pars cranialis systematis muscularis

Definition

Muhammad A. Javaid

The cranial part of the muscular system includes the muscles of the head and face, along with their associated fasciae and bursa.

The cranial muscles are primarily skeletal (voluntary) but highly specialized for facial expression, mastication, eye movement, tongue motion, and other functions essential for communication and feeding.

The muscles of head and face are unique in being derived from pharyngeal (branchial) arches rather than somites, explaining their distinctive innervation by cranial nerves instead of spinal nerves.

References

  • Gray, H. (2016) Gray’s anatomy the anatomical basis of clinical practice. 41st edition. Edited by S. Standring. New York: Elsevier.

  • SEER Training Modules, Module Name. U. S. National Institutes of Health, National Cancer Institute. Day Month Year (of access) <https://training.seer.cancer.gov/>.

  • Fakoya AO, Hohman MH, Westbrook KE, et al. Anatomy, Head and Neck: Facial Muscles. [Updated 2024 Apr 20]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK493209/