Orbital process of palatine bone

Orbital process of palatine bone (shown in red)

The Orbital Process of Palatine Bone is a significant anatomical structure in the human skull. It is one of the two processes of the palatine bone, the other being the sphenoidal process. The orbital process is smaller and more compact than the sphenoidal process, and it extends horizontally forward and laterally.

Structure

The orbital process of the palatine bone is pyramidal in shape and presents three surfaces and an apex. The superior surface, or orbital, is smooth and concave, and forms the back part of the floor of the orbit. The inferior surface, or maxillary, is rough and forms part of the roof of the maxillary sinus. The anterior surface, or ethmoidal, is divided by a vertical ridge, the ethmoidal crest, into two parts.

Function

The orbital process of the palatine bone contributes to the formation of three cavities: the floor and lateral wall of the nasal cavity, the roof of the mouth, and the floor of the orbit. It also contributes to the formation of the pterygopalatine fossa and the infratemporal fossa.

Clinical Significance

Due to its location, fractures of the orbital process of the palatine bone can lead to complications such as orbital blowout fractures, double vision, and sunken eyes.

See Also

• Human skull
• Palatine bone
• Sphenoidal process
• Orbital blowout fracture
• Diplopia
• Enophthalmos