Infraorbital foramen - Eye - Orbital cavity - e-Anatomy
View the module

Infraorbital foramen

Foramen infraorbitale

Definition

Muhammad A. Javaid

The infraorbital foramen is a tiny opening located on the anterior surface of the body of maxilla, just above the canine fossa and below the inferior orbital margin of the eye socket. The foramen is essentially the front exit for the infraorbital canal, which passes along the floor of the eye socket and comes out on the front surface of the maxilla bone. The infraorbital foramen is crucial because it allows the passage of infraorbital vessels and nerve.

Understanding the journey of the infraorbital nerve is critical. This nerve, which is an extension of the maxillary nerve, travels forward along the floor of the eye socket. Its path begins in the infraorbital groove, continues through the infraorbital canal, and finally emerges onto the face through the infraorbital foramen. Along its route, the nerve is accompanied by the infraorbital artery and vein.

References

_________________________________________________________________________

  • Standring, S. (2016). ‘Chapter 30: Face and scalp’ in Gray’s anatomy: the anatomical basis of clinical practice. (41st ed.) New York NY: Elsevier, pp. 484-486.

  • Soriano RM, Das JM. Anatomy, Head and Neck, Maxilla. [Updated 2022 Sep 12]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2024 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK538527/

  • 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. 944.

Gallery