Inferior orbital fissure

Inferior orbital fissure is located in the orbital cavity of the skull. Image courtesy of Wikimedia Commons.

The Inferior Orbital Fissure is a gap or opening found in the orbital cavity of the human skull. It is a significant anatomical feature as it allows for the passage of several important structures from the orbit to the infratemporal fossa and pterygopalatine fossa.

Anatomy

The Inferior Orbital Fissure is located between the maxilla and the sphenoid bone. It is shaped like a narrow, elongated slit and is oriented horizontally. The fissure is bounded superiorly by the lower border of the orbital surface of the sphenoid, and inferiorly by the orbital surface of the maxilla and the zygomatic bone.

Structures Passing Through

Several structures pass through the Inferior Orbital Fissure, including:

• The infraorbital nerve, a branch of the maxillary nerve
• The zygomatic nerve, another branch of the maxillary nerve
• The infraorbital artery and vein
• The inferior ophthalmic vein
• Orbital branches of the pterygopalatine ganglion

Clinical Significance

Due to its location and the vital structures that pass through it, the Inferior Orbital Fissure can be involved in various medical conditions. For instance, fractures involving the Inferior Orbital Fissure can lead to orbital blowout fractures, which can cause diplopia, enophthalmos, and infraorbital nerve damage.

See Also

• Superior orbital fissure
• Orbital cavity
• Human skull