Lateral wall of orbit
Paries lateralis orbitae
- Latin synonym: Paries temporalis orbitae
- Related terms: Lateral wall; Lateral wall (Orbital cavity); Lateral wall (Orbit)
Definition
The lateral wall of orbit is the thickest compared to other walls. It consists of the zygomatic bone in the front, which separates the orbit from the temporal fossa on the outside. Towards the back, the lateral wall curves inward and is formed by greater wing of the sphenoid bone, which separates the orbit from the middle cranial fossa.
At the point where the floor and the lateral wall of orbit meet, you can find an inferior orbital fissure. Similarly, a superior orbit fissure is located at the junction of the roof and the lateral wall of orbit.
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/
