supraorbital foramen

A bony elongated opening located above the orbit and under the forehead.

Type Organ
Parent Structure foramen of skull

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the 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.
Where is the supraorbital foramen located?
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.
What is the function of the supraorbital foramen?
It provides passage for the supraorbital nerve (a terminal branch of the ophthalmic division of the trigeminal nerve) and the supraorbital artery and vein.
What is the supraorbital foramen connected to?
The foramen connects the orbit with the anterior scalp region and is continuous with the supraorbital groove along the margin of the frontal bone.
Why is the supraorbital foramen clinically important?
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.

Related Structures

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Educational Disclaimer

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Data sources: Terminologia Anatomica, Foundational Model of Anatomy, Wikidata.