Periorbita

Periorbita refers to the periosteum of the orbit, which is the bony cavity in the skull that houses the eyeball and its associated structures. The periorbita is a dense, fibrous membrane that lines the bones of the orbit and provides support and protection to the ocular structures.

Anatomy

The periorbita is continuous with the periosteum of the surrounding bones, including the frontal bone, maxilla, zygomatic bone, sphenoid bone, ethmoid bone, and lacrimal bone. It is firmly attached to the orbital margins and loosely attached to the bones within the orbit, allowing for some movement of the orbital contents.

Function

The primary function of the periorbita is to provide structural support to the orbit and to serve as an attachment point for the extraocular muscles, which control the movement of the eyeball. It also helps to protect the delicate structures within the orbit, including the optic nerve, ocular blood vessels, and lacrimal gland.

Clinical Significance

The periorbita can be involved in various medical conditions, including orbital cellulitis, orbital fractures, and orbital tumors. In cases of trauma, the periorbita may be disrupted, leading to complications such as enophthalmos (sunken eyeball) or exophthalmos (protruding eyeball).

Surgical Considerations

During orbital surgery, the periorbita is often encountered and may need to be incised or retracted to access deeper structures. Careful handling of the periorbita is essential to avoid damage to the underlying tissues and to ensure proper healing post-surgery.

Related Structures

• Orbital septum
• Tenon's capsule
• Extraocular muscles
• Optic nerve
• Lacrimal apparatus

See Also

• Orbit (anatomy)
• Periosteum
• Ophthalmology
• Orbital cellulitis
• Orbital fracture