Musculus frontalis
The frontalis is a broad, thin muscle of the forehead. It originates from the fascia and periosteum of the frontal bone and inserts into the skin of the forehead and the base of the ears. Its actions include raising the skin of the forehead and assisting ear movement. It is innervated by the auriculopalpebral branch of the facial nerve (CN VII). Changes in forehead tension and ear position can be part of a general comfort check, but the EquiFACS inner brow raiser (AU101) is the levator anguli oculi medialis, not the frontalis.
Origin: Fascia and periosteum of the frontal bone
Insertion: Skin of the forehead and base of the ears
Action: Raises the skin of the forehead; assists ear movement
Innervation: Auriculopalpebral branch of facial nerve (CN VII)
Isolated injury is rare. Facial-nerve lesions can affect it along with other facial muscles.
## Overview Browband pressure injuries are skin and soft-tissue lesions caused by a poorly fitted or overly tight browband. Continuous pressure can produce hair loss, white hairs, skin thickening, or
Forehead tension or a change in ear position can be worth a closer look at the whole horse, but the EquiFACS inner brow raiser used in pain scoring is the levator anguli oculi medialis, not the frontalis.
## Overview Browband pressure injuries are skin and soft-tissue lesions caused by a poorly fitted or overly tight browband. Continuous pressure can produce hair loss, white hairs, skin thickening, or open sores across the forehead. The browband sits over a relatively thin soft-tissue layer, so even moderate tension can compromise circulation. ## Causes Incorrect browband length or width, hard or narrow materials, and failure to check fit after the bridle stretches or the horse’s head shape changes are the usual causes. Secondary swelling from other issues can suddenly make a previously acceptable browband too tight. ## Diagnosis Visual inspection shows lesions or white hairs exactly where the browband rests. Comparison with the bridle off and assessment of browband tension confirm the source. ## Treatment Remove or loosen the browband immediately, keep the area clean, and allow the skin to heal. Most superficial lesions resolve within one to two weeks. Deeper sores may need topical care under veterinary guidance. Replace the browband with a correctly sized, padded version. ## Recovery and Prognosis Prognosis is excellent once pressure is eliminated. White hairs may remain permanently. ## Prevention Choose a browband that sits flat without digging in, recheck fit regularly, and use sheepskin or gel padding if needed. Signs include: hair loss or white hairs across the forehead; skin thickening or sores under the browband; sensitivity when the bridle is fitted
Isolated injury is rare. Facial-nerve lesions can affect it along with other facial muscles.
Forehead tension or a change in ear position can be worth a closer look at the whole horse, but the EquiFACS inner brow raiser used in pain scoring is the levator anguli oculi medialis, not the frontalis.
See the Frontalis on our interactive 3D horse model. Open 3D Model