Washington Esthetician State Board Practice Exam

Which muscle causes wrinkles across the forehead?

1. Orbicularis oculi

2. Frontalis

3. Masseter

4. Platysma

The correct answer is: Frontalis

The muscle responsible for creating wrinkles across the forehead is the frontalis. This muscle is located in the forehead area and is primarily involved in raising the eyebrows and wrinkling the forehead. When the frontalis muscle contracts, it pulls the skin on the forehead upward, which can lead to the formation of horizontal lines or wrinkles across that area. This action is often associated with expressions such as surprise or concern, where the forehead is actively engaged. In contrast, the orbicularis oculi is a muscle around the eyes that facilitates blinking and closing the eyelids, contributing to crow's feet rather than forehead wrinkles. The masseter is a jaw muscle responsible for chewing, while the platysma is a neck muscle that can contribute to the appearance of wrinkles in the neck and lower face, but does not affect the forehead area. Understanding the specific functions and locations of these muscles helps clarify why the frontalis is the key muscle involved in the formation of forehead wrinkles.