Occipitalis muscle
Musculus occipitalis
- Latin synonym: Occipital belly of occipitofrontalis muscle; Venter occipitalis musculi occipitofrontalis; Venter occipitalis musculi epicranii
- Synonym: Occipital belly of epicranius muscle
- Related terms: Occipital belly; Occipitofrontalis: Occipital belly
Definition
The occipitalis muscle (posterior belly of the occipitofrontalis) is a thin, quadrilateral muscle located over the occipital bone in the superficial layer of the scalp. It forms part of the epicranius, together with the frontalis muscle and the epicranial aponeurosis (galea aponeurotica), which connects the two bellies.
Origin
From the lateral two-thirds of the superior nuchal line of the occipital bone and the mastoid part of the temporal bone.
Insertion
Fibres pass upward and forward to insert into the posterior border of the galea aponeurotica.
Innervation
Supplied by the posterior auricular branch of the facial nerve (cranial nerve VII).
Action
The occipitalis muscle retracts the scalp, tightening the galea aponeurotica. It also assists the frontalis muscle in elevating the eyebrows and producing forehead expressions.
References
Tajran J, Gosman AA. Anatomy, Head and Neck, Scalp. [Updated 2023 Jul 24]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK551565/
