Anatomical Location And Structure Of The Glabella

Description

Glabella occupies the midline of the anterior frontal bone, positioned superior to the nasal root (nasion) and nestled between the right and left superciliary arches. From this fixed anterior cranial perspective, the smooth, slightly raised glabellar surface sits medial to each supraorbital margin and continues superiorly into the forehead (frontal squama), while inferiorly it meets the frontonasal region adjacent to the paired nasal bones. The surrounding brow contours frame the glabella laterally, emphasizing its role as a midfacial landmark on the cranium. A small area, big consequences. Clinically, glabella guides surface anatomy for procedures that cross the midline forehead and nasofrontal junction, from botulinum toxin injection planning for corrugator supercilii and procerus-related glabellar lines to scar placement and flap design in reconstructive surgery. It also functions as a standard craniometric point in cephalometry and forensic anthropology, and its relationship to the frontal sinus and nasal root helps orient interpretation of frontal radiographs and CT in trauma, where a nasofrontal fracture pattern may disrupt the frontonasal duct region and lead to sinus outflow obstruction. The lighting and bony relief in this illustration separate the glabella from the superciliary arches and supraorbital rims without obscuring the midline contour. Use this illustration in gross anatomy and head and neck courses when teaching frontal bone landmarks, in facial plastic and reconstructive surgery materials discussing the nasofrontal angle and glabellar region, or in radiology and trauma education to anchor orientation on anterior skull views and correlate surface landmarks with underlying frontal sinus anatomy. Anatomical accuracy verified by SciePro's Medical Advisory Board.