Infraorbital margin

Infraorbital margin is a term used in anatomy to describe a specific part of the human skull. It refers to the lower edge of the eye socket or orbit, which is formed by the maxilla and the zygomatic bone.

Etymology

The term "infraorbital" comes from the Latin words "infra", meaning below, and "orbital", referring to the orbit or eye socket. "Margin" refers to the edge or border of a structure.

Anatomy

The infraorbital margin is part of the facial skeleton and is formed by two bones: the maxilla and the zygomatic bone. The maxilla, or upper jawbone, forms the majority of the infraorbital margin, while the zygomatic bone, or cheekbone, forms the lateral part.

The infraorbital margin is an important anatomical landmark as it is the location of the infraorbital foramen, a small hole through which the infraorbital nerve and blood vessels pass. This nerve provides sensation to the lower eyelid, upper lip, and part of the nasal cavity.

Clinical significance

Due to its location, the infraorbital margin can be affected by various medical conditions and injuries. Fractures of the infraorbital margin are common in facial trauma and can lead to complications such as numbness or pain in the areas supplied by the infraorbital nerve.

In addition, the infraorbital margin is often involved in surgical procedures involving the orbit or maxilla, such as orbital decompression for thyroid eye disease or maxillectomy for oral cancer.

Related terms

• Infraorbital foramen
• Infraorbital nerve
• Maxilla
• Zygomatic bone
• Orbit

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