Silmäkuopista

Silmäkuopista, also known as orbits, are bony cavities in the skull that house and protect the eyeballs. Each orbit is a complex structure formed by contributions from several different bones of the skull. These include the frontal bone, maxilla, zygomatic bone, sphenoid bone, ethmoid bone, lacrimal bone, and palatine bone. The shape of the orbit is roughly pyramidal, with the apex pointing inwards and posteriorly.

Within the orbit, the eyeball is cushioned by orbital fat, which provides support and allows for smooth movement. Several muscles, known as the extraocular muscles, are attached to the eyeball and the orbital walls. These muscles are responsible for controlling the precise movements of the eye, enabling us to focus on objects and track them as they move. Nerves and blood vessels also pass through the orbit to supply the eye and its associated structures. The optic nerve, which transmits visual information from the retina to the brain, enters the orbit through the optic canal.

The orbits serve a crucial protective function, shielding the delicate eyes from direct trauma. The bony rim of the orbit provides a significant barrier against external forces. However, the thinness of some parts of the orbital walls, particularly the medial and inferior walls, makes them susceptible to fractures in cases of significant impact. These fractures can lead to various complications, including displacement of orbital contents, impaired eye movement, or damage to nerves and blood vessels.