Delaware Cosmetology and Barbering Practice Exam

Which muscle is responsible for raising the eyebrows?

1. Occipitalis muscle

2. Frontalis muscle

3. Zygomaticus muscle

4. Temporalis muscle

The correct answer is: Frontalis muscle

The frontalis muscle is the correct choice because it is specifically designed to facilitate the movement of the forehead and scalp. When the frontalis muscle contracts, it pulls the skin of the forehead upward, which results in the raising of the eyebrows. This muscle plays an important role in expressing surprise or curiosity, as it is directly involved in creating a wide-eyed look. In contrast, the occipitalis muscle, located at the back of the skull, primarily assists with pulling the scalp back rather than affecting eyebrow movement. The zygomaticus muscle, situated in the cheek area, is involved in smiling by elevating the corners of the mouth, and the temporalis muscle, found on the side of the head, primarily functions in chewing and does not contribute to eyebrow movement. Understanding the specific functions and locations of these muscles helps clarify why the frontalis muscle is responsible for raising the eyebrows.