Which muscle is responsible for causing wrinkles across the bridge of the nose?

The procerus muscle plays a crucial role in the formation of wrinkles across the bridge of the nose. This small, muscle extends from the lower part of the forehead and runs down to the nasal bridge. When contracted, the procerus helps pull the skin between the eyebrows downwards, which can lead to the formation of horizontal lines or furrows across that area during expressions of frustration or concentration. This movement is significant in conveying facial expressions, and understanding the function of the procerus is essential for estheticians when considering treatments that may target fine lines and wrinkles in the upper face.

In contrast, the frontalis muscle is primarily involved in raising the eyebrows and wrinkling the forehead, the orbicularis oculi muscle surrounds the eyes and contributes to blinking and squinting, and the masseter muscle is a primary muscle in chewing. These muscles do not directly influence the wrinkles at the bridge of the nose.