Depressor Supercilii

General information

The depressor supercilii is a facial muscle located in the eye region.

Literal meaning

The muscle that presses the partition down.

Interesting information

The nature of this muscle is in some dispute. Some consider it to be part of the orbicularis oculi muscle, while others maintain that the depressor supercilii is a distinct muscle and has a definite, individual effect on the movement of the eyebrow and skin of the glabella.

Origin

Midline of the frontal bone near its suture with the nasal bone.

Insertion

Skin and subcutaneous tissue beneath the eyebrow.

Function 

Pulls the eyebrow and the skin above the orbit downward.

Nerve supply

Facial nerve (Cranial nerve VII).

Blood supply

Supraorbital and supratrochlear arteries from the ophthalmic artery; terminal end of the facial artery.

Relevant research

The dynamic balance of the eyebrows is kept by the frontal muscle which acts as a brow elevator, and the brow depressors including the corrugator supercilii muscle (CSM), procerus, depressor supercilii, and orbicularis oculi muscles

Pinar, Y., Govsa, F., Ozer, M. A., & Ertam, I. (2016). Anatomocosmetic implication rules of the corrugator supercilii muscle for youthful eye appearance. Surgical and radiologic anatomy : SRA, 38(9), 1045–1051.

Depressor supercilii exercises

Frown (assisted)

Using your fingers to assist, pull your forehead muscles downwards and inwards, creating a frown. Hold this position, then relax.