The corrugator supercilii is a small pyramidal muscle under the medial frontalis, pulling the eyebrow medially and downward to create the vertical glabellar frown lines between the eyebrows. It is the anatomical expression of frowning or concentration and is the primary target of botulinum toxin injection for glabellar frown line treatment. The supraorbital and supratrochlear nerves pass through or near this muscle, making it a site of nerve entrapment in some cases of frontal headache.
| Origin | Medial end of the supraorbital ridge |
|---|---|
| Insertion | Skin of the medial eyebrow |
| Nerve Supply | Temporal and zygomatic branches of the facial nerve (CN VII) |
| Blood Supply | Supraorbital and supratrochlear arteries |
| Actions |
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|---|
The downward and medial eyebrow pull it produces creates the vertical creases of the glabella that signal concentration or displeasure, and its hyperactivity from chronic frowning produces the permanent glabellar lines that are the most common reason patients seek botulinum toxin treatment.
Botulinum toxin injection into the corrugator supercilii for glabellar frown lines is one of the most consistently effective aesthetic treatments, with clinical trials showing high patient satisfaction. Surgical division of the corrugator in conjunction with endoscopic brow lift is performed for patients seeking permanent correction. Supratrochlear and supraorbital nerve entrapment by the corrugator fibres has been proposed as a trigger point for frontal migraine headaches, with surgical decompression showing benefit in selected patients.
The corrugator is palpable as a cord at the medial brow level when the subject frowns forcefully, accessible between the frontalis and the skin above the supraorbital rim.
Proposed supraorbital nerve entrapment by corrugator fibres contributing to frontal migraine headaches, managed with botulinum toxin injection or surgical decompression in selected patients.
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