PSI Barbering Practice Exam

What muscle draws the scalp backwards?

1. Frontalis

2. Occipitalis

3. Temporalis

4. Masseter

The correct answer is: Occipitalis

The muscle responsible for drawing the scalp backwards is known as the occipitalis. This muscle is part of the epicranial aponeurosis and is situated at the back of the head. When the occipitalis contracts, it pulls on the scalp, resulting in the movement of the scalp posteriorly. The occipitalis works in conjunction with the frontalis muscle, which is located at the front of the head and raises the eyebrows. This coordinated movement of the frontalis and occipitalis can be seen in expressions of surprise or when a person raises their eyebrows and moves their scalp. Understanding the function of the occipitalis is important in the context of barbering, especially when considering techniques that involve scalp massages or hairstyles that demand different manipulations of the scalp and hair. In contrast, the other muscles listed have different primary functions; for instance, the temporalis is primarily involved in elevating the mandible for chewing, while the masseter also assists with jaw movement, and the frontalis predominantly raises eyebrows and wrinkles the forehead.