Orbital

Orbital refers to the bony cavity in the skull that houses the eye, the muscles that move the eye, the optic nerve, and the surrounding tissues and nerves. The orbital is a complex structure that plays a crucial role in vision and eye movement.

Anatomy

The orbital is a pyramid-shaped cavity with a base, apex, four walls, and a roof. The base of the orbital is the part that faces outward, towards the face. The apex is the part that points inward, towards the brain. The four walls of the orbital are the superior (top), inferior (bottom), medial (inner), and lateral (outer) walls. The roof of the orbital is formed by the frontal bone and the lesser wing of the sphenoid bone.

Function

The primary function of the orbital is to protect the eye and its associated structures. The walls of the orbital provide a barrier against trauma, and the roof of the orbital shields the eye from direct sunlight. The orbital also houses the muscles that control eye movement, allowing the eye to rotate in all directions.

Clinical significance

Conditions that can affect the orbital include orbital cellulitis, orbital fractures, thyroid eye disease, and orbital tumors. These conditions can cause symptoms such as pain, swelling, double vision, and vision loss. Treatment for these conditions may involve medication, surgery, or radiation therapy.

See also

• Eye socket
• Human skull
• Optic nerve
• Eye muscles