Occipital belly of occipitofrontalis

The occipital belly of the occipitofrontalis (Latin: venter occipitalis musculi occipitofrontalis), also known as the occipitalis, is a paired skeletal muscle of the head. This muscle is classified as the facial muscle. The occipital belly is a part of the occipitofrontalis muscle, and it is connected to the frontal belly of this muscle by the epicranial aponeurosis.

Origin

The occipital belly of the occipitofrontalis originates from the superior nuchal line of the occipital bone.

Insertion

The occipital belly inserts into the epicranial aponeurosis (also known as the galea aponeurotica).

Action

Upon contraction, the occipital belly of the occipitofrontalis moves the scalp posteriorly.

Innervation

The occipital belly is innervated by the posterior auricular nerve, a branch of the facial nerve (CN VII).

Blood supply

The occipital belly of the occipitofrontalis receives arterial blood supply mainly from the branches of the posterior auricular and occipital arteries.