Musculus frontalis
Broad, thin forehead muscle moving brow skin and contributing to ear positioning. Part of the medial brow raiser action unit used in pain assessment.
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)
Tight or poorly fitting browband compresses the frontalis and underlying temporal nerves, causing headshaking and bridling resistance.
Tight or poorly fitting browband compresses the frontalis and underlying temporal nerves, causing headshaking and bridling resistance. Signs include: Head shaking or rubbing after bridling; reluctance to accept the bridle; ear pinning when browband area touched; rub marks on forehead.
See the Frontalis on our interactive 3D horse model. Open 3D Model