The glabella, in

human Humans (''Homo sapiens'') or modern humans are the most common and widespread species of primate, and the last surviving species of the genus ''Homo''. They are Hominidae, great apes characterized by their Prehistory of nakedness and clothing ...

s, is the area of skin between the eyebrows and above the nose. The term also refers to the underlying bone that is slightly depressed, and joins the two brow ridges. It is a cephalometric landmark that is just superior to the nasion.

Etymology

The term for the area is derived from the

Latin Latin ( or ) is a classical language belonging to the Italic languages, Italic branch of the Indo-European languages. Latin was originally spoken by the Latins (Italic tribe), Latins in Latium (now known as Lazio), the lower Tiber area aroun ...

, "smooth", feminine of ''glabellus'', "hairless".

Function

The glabella is a key anatomical landmark used in craniofacial measurements, including interglabellar distance, which helps assess facial proportions in aesthetics and surgery. It also contributes to facial expressions through the action of muscles like the frontalis and orbicularis oculi.

In medical science

The skin of the glabella may be used to measure skin turgor in suspected cases of dehydration by gently pinching and lifting it. When released, the glabella of a dehydrated patient tends to remain extended ("tented"), rather than returning to its normal shape.

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