supraorbital foramen

The supraorbital foramen is an opening in the frontal bone of the skull through which the supraorbital nerve and vessels pass to supply the forehead and upper eyelid.

It is situated on the supraorbital margin of the frontal bone, medial to the lateral two-thirds of the orbital rim, directly above the orbit.

It provides passage for the supraorbital nerve (a terminal branch of the ophthalmic division of the trigeminal nerve) and the supraorbital artery and vein.

The foramen connects the orbit with the anterior scalp region and is continuous with the supraorbital groove along the margin of the frontal bone.

It is significant for nerve blocks in headache management and is used as a landmark for frontal sinus surgery, orbital exploration, and identification of the ophthalmic division of the trigeminal nerve.