Utah Esthetician State Board Practice Exam

Which muscle connects the occipitalis to the frontalis?

1. Platisma

2. Aponeurosis

3. Trapezius

4. Frontalis

The correct answer is: Aponeurosis

The muscle that connects the occipitalis to the frontalis is known as the aponeurosis, specifically the galea aponeurotica. This connective tissue structure acts as a tendon-like sheet, providing a link between the frontalis muscle, which is located on the forehead and responsible for raising the eyebrows, and the occipitalis muscle, which is found at the back of the head and helps pull the scalp backward. The aponeurosis allows for coordinated movement of the forehead and scalp, creating expressions like surprise or excitement. Understanding the function of the aponeurosis in this context is vital, as it highlights the interplay between different muscle groups in facial expressions and overall facial anatomy. The other options do not fulfill this specific role; for instance, the platysma is a muscle of the neck, and the trapezius is primarily involved in shoulder movements. The frontalis itself is one of the muscles mentioned, not a connecting structure.