The procerus is an unpaired pyramidal-shaped facial muscle that extends between the dorsum of the nose and the forehead along the midline of the face. It is part of the glabellar complex and has clinical importance in both surgical and cosmetic procedures. The size and position of the procerus muscle can vary between individuals, and some people may not have it.

This muscle is located inferomedially to the frontalis muscle on both sides. It lies in close proximity to the corrugator supercilii, depressor supercilii, and orbicularis oculi muscles, which are positioned laterally on either side. Inferior to the procerus muscle is the nasalis muscle.

The procerus originates from the lower portion of the nasal bone and the lateral nasal cartilage and ends by inserting into the skin of the forehead at the level of the glabella and above it, where it also blends with fibers of the frontalis muscle.

This muscle pulls the medial ends of the eyebrows downward and together, creating a horizontal skin fold across the root of the nose. This transverse fold produces the characteristic frowning expression, which is typically seen when a person is exposed to bright light, concentrating, or experiencing emotional distress.

Repeated activation of the procerus muscle over time leads to permanent wrinkles on the glabellar skin. To reduce these lines, Botox injections in the procerus are a popular anti-aging treatment. Additionally, the procerus has a secondary function - it assists in flaring the nostrils.

Origin: midline of the nasal bone and the upper portion of the lateral nasal cartilage.

Insertion: skin of the lower to mid-portion of the forehead between the eyebrows; it also blends with the fibers of the frontalis muscle.

Action: depresses the medial ends of the eyebrows by drawing the skin downward; contractions of the procerus create a transverse skin fold across the bridge of the nose; it also assists in flaring the nostrils and contributes to facial expressions associated with anger.

Innervation: temporal, buccal, and zygomatic branches of the facial nerve (CN VII).

Arterial blood supply: angular artery and lateral nasal arteries (branches of the facial artery).

Venous drainage: facial vein (drains into the internal jugular vein).

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Procerus