Floor of orbit
Paries inferior orbitae
- Synonym: Inferior wall of orbit
- Related terms: Floor; Floor (Orbital cavity); Floor (Orbit)
Definition
The floor of orbit, which is the inferior wall, is primarily made up of the orbital surfaces of the maxilla and zygomatic bones. The orbital process of the palatine bone also contributes minimally to the floor at the back.
The floor of orbit separates the orbital cavity from the maxillary sinus below.
At the junction between the lateral wall and the floor of orbit, you can find the inferior orbital fissure. The fissure continues anteriorly as the infraorbital groove, ending in infraorbital canal and transmitting infraorbital vessels and nerve.
On the front inner part of the floor, there is a small depression which gives origin to the inferior oblique muscle.
References
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Text written by Muhammad A. Javaid, MD, PhD © 2024 IMAIOS.
Drake, R.L., Vogl, A.W. and Mitchell, A.W.M. (2009). ‘Chapter 8: Head and Neck’ in Gray’s anatomy for Students. (2nd ed.) Philadelphia PA 19103-2899: Elsevier, pp. 879.
Shumway CL, Motlagh M, Wade M. Anatomy, Head and Neck, Orbit Bones. [Updated 2023 Jul 24]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2024 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK531490/
