supraorbital

Supraorbital is an anatomical term describing structures located above the orbit, the eye socket, or the region of the frontal bone that forms the upper boundary of the orbit. It commonly refers to features related to the supraorbital margin, which is part of the frontal bone and helps define the superior border of the eye socket.

A key feature associated with the term is the supraorbital foramen or notch, typically found along the upper edge of the orbit near its medial portion. The supraorbital nerve and accompanying vessels pass through this opening. The supraorbital nerve is a branch of the frontal nerve, which in turn is a division of the ophthalmic nerve (cranial nerve V1). After entering the forehead, the nerve provides sensory innervation to the forehead, scalp up to the vertex, and the upper eyelid region. The supraorbital artery, usually accompanying the nerve, is a branch of the ophthalmic artery and contributes to the blood supply of the forehead and scalp.

Clinical relevance includes conditions such as supraorbital neuralgia, where the supraorbital nerve is irritated or compressed, causing forehead pain. Procedures such as a supraorbital nerve block or target identification for local anesthesia rely on anatomical landmarks near the supraorbital foramen or notch. Variations exist in humans: some individuals have a supraorbital notch instead of a complete foramen, and the exact location can vary somewhat among populations.

In summary, supraorbital denotes structures above the orbit, with the supraorbital margin, foramen or notch, and the accompanying nerve and vessels forming the core anatomical concept.