Forehead
Forehead: anatomical region bounded by hairline and bone ridges.
The forehead is an area of the human head bounded by the hairline at the top, the supraorbital ridge at the bottom, and the temporal ridges on the sides. In Terminologia Anatomica, its Latin equivalent is sinciput, from semi- 'half' and caput 'head.' The forehead's bone is the squamous part of the frontal bone, and its muscles include the occipitofrontalis, procerus, and corrugator supercilii, all controlled by the temporal branch of the facial nerve.
- field
- Human anatomy
- known_for
- Bounded by hairline, supraorbital ridge, and temporal ridges; site of expressive muscles and tactile hallucination
- structure
- Squamous part of frontal bone; occipitofrontalis, procerus, corrugator supercilii muscles
- innervation
- Sensory: ophthalmic branch of trigeminal nerve and cervical plexus; motor: facial nerve
- blood_supply
- Left and right supraorbital, supratrochlear, and anterior branches of superficial temporal artery
Lore & Background
The forehead's muscles produce four basic motions: raising eyebrows (occipitofrontalis), pulling eyebrows inward and down (corrugator supercilii), and pulling down the center of the eyebrows (procerus). These movements create transverse wrinkles across the forehead and vertical wrinkles between the eyebrows. The middle of the forehead is a site where tactile hallucinations—tingling or pressure—can be triggered in healthy individuals by seeing an object approach without contact.
Reader's Guide
In physiognomy and phrenology, the forehead's shape was taken to symbolize intellect and intelligence. Samuel R. Pseudo-Aristotle's Physiognomica associated the forehead with Mars and described various shapes: a low forehead denoted magnanimity; a fleshy wrinkle-free forehead, litigiousness; a sharp forehead, weakness; a wrinkled forehead, great spirit; a round forehead, virtue; a full large forehead, boldness; and a long high forehead, honesty. In fighting, slamming one's forehead into an opponent is termed a headbutt.
Did You Know?
- The forehead is bounded by the hairline, supraorbital ridge, and temporal ridges.
- The Latin term sinciput derives from semi- 'half' and caput 'head.'
- The middle of the forehead can produce a tactile hallucination in healthy individuals when an object approaches without contact.
- The occipitofrontalis muscles raise the eyebrows, forming expressions of surprise and quizzicality.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Forehead?
The Forehead is the upper-front region of the human head, bounded superiorly by the hairline, inferiorly by the supraorbital ridge, and laterally by the temporal ridges. Its Latin anatomical name is sinciput, a compound of semi- ('half') and caput ('head').
Which muscles live in the Forehead?
Three expressive muscles operate across this region: the occipitofrontalis, the procerus, and the corrugator supercilii. Each one is driven by the temporal branch of the facial nerve, which is why the forehead can wrinkle, furrow, and raise so dramatically.
What bone forms the Forehead?
The bony foundation is the squamous (flat) part of the frontal bone. This thin, plate-like structure serves as the wall of the forehead and also contributes to the roof of the eye orbits.
How does the Forehead get its nerve supply?
Sensory innervation arrives via the ophthalmic branch of the trigeminal nerve together with fibers from the cervical plexus. Motor control of the forehead's muscles is handled by the temporal branch of the facial nerve.
What arteries feed the Forehead?
Blood reaches the region through the left and right supraorbital arteries, the supratrochlear arteries, and the anterior branches of the superficial temporal artery. This multi-source supply keeps the skin, muscles, and overlying tissues well perfused.
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