Superonasal

Superonasal is an anatomical directional term used to describe a position that is above the nose or toward the nasal (inner) side relative to a reference point such as the midline of the face or the center of the eye. The term combines the Latin super (above) with nasal (pertaining to the nose) and is used in medical descriptions to convey precise spatial relationships.

In ophthalmology and ocular anatomy, superonasal describes a region or quadrant of the retina that lies above the horizontal meridian and toward the nasal side. The retina is commonly divided into superonasal, superotemporal, inferonasal, and inferotemporal regions, and identifying these areas helps in localizing lesions, studies of blood vessels, and interpretations of imaging.

In clinical use on the face and eyelids, superonasal denotes locations near the medial upper area of the face, such as the inner canthus, the medial upper eyelid, or the adjacent cheek. It is also used to describe surgical approaches or incisions that approach the orbit or sinus from the upper nasal side.

The term remains relative, meaning it describes location with respect to a chosen reference point rather than implying a fixed absolute position. It is commonly encountered in anatomy, ophthalmology, dermatology, and radiology to ensure precise communication about location.

See also: nasal, superior, retina quadrants, facial anatomy, orbital anatomy.