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| Epicranial aponeurosis | |
|---|---|
 Muscles of the head, face, and neck. (Epicranial aponeurosis visible at top labeled1.) | |
| Details | |
| System | Skeletal |
| Identifiers | |
| Latin | galea aponeurotica, aponeurosis epicranialis, aponeurosis epicrania |
| TA98 | A04.1.03.007 |
| TA2 | 2059 |
| FMA | 46768 |
| Anatomical terminology | |
Theepicranial aponeurosis (aponeurosis epicranialis,galea aponeurotica) is anaponeurosis (a tough layer ofdense fibrous tissue). It covers the upper part of theskull inhumans and many other animals.
In humans, the epicranial aponeurosis originates from theexternal occipital protuberance andhighest nuchal lines of theoccipital bone.[1] It merges with theoccipitofrontalis muscle. In front, it forms a short and narrow prolongation between its union with thefrontalis muscle (the frontal part of the occipitofrontalis muscle).
On either side, the epicranial aponeurosis attaches to theanterior auricular muscles and thesuperior auricular muscles. Here it is lessaponeurotic, and is continued over thetemporal fascia to thezygomatic arch as a layer of laminatedareolar tissue.
It is closely connected to theintegument by the firm, dense, fibro-fatty layer which forms thesuperficial fascia of thescalp. It is attached to thepericranium by loose cellular tissue, which allows the aponeurosis, carrying with it the integument, to move through a considerable distance.
Subgaleal haemorrhage is defined as bleeding between the epicranial aponeurosis and theskull.[2]Conservative management is usually appropriate for these, as there is little risk of further damage to surrounding structures.[2]
The epicranial aponeurosis is also known as the aponeurosis epicranialis (fromLatin),[citation needed] and the galea aponeurotica.[2]
This article incorporates text in thepublic domain frompage 380 of the 20th edition ofGray's Anatomy(1918)
