Which muscle is primarily responsible for drawing the scalp backward?

The occipitalis muscle is the primary muscle responsible for drawing the scalp backward. This muscle is located at the back of the head and is part of the larger occipitofrontalis muscle group. When the occipitalis contracts, it pulls the scalp posteriorly, resulting in a backward movement of the scalp.

Understanding the anatomy of the muscles in the head is crucial for various cosmetic and therapeutic practices, as movement and expression are often influenced by these muscles. The occipitalis acts in concert with the frontalis muscle in the front of the scalp, allowing for a range of movements, but it specifically plays the key role in retracting the scalp.

In this context, the other muscles listed have different functions. The frontalis, for instance, is involved in raising the eyebrows and wrinkling the forehead. The temporalis muscle is primarily responsible for elevating the jaw and facilitating chewing. The orbicularis oculi encircles the eye and is responsible for closing the eyelids. Each of these muscles has its unique actions, but when it comes to drawing the scalp backward, the occipitalis is the correct choice.