The infraorbital groove is a small, yet important, anatomic feature located on the human face. It is located just below the infraorbital margin, which is the bony rim of the orbit (eye socket). The infraorbital groove serves as a crucial passageway for nerves and blood vessels that supply the lower eyelid, cheek, and upper lip.
Structure
The infraorbital groove is a shallow, narrow channel that runs horizontally along the infraorbital margin. It is formed by the infraorbital ridge, which is a bony protuberance on the maxilla (upper jaw bone). The infraorbital groove is located just below the infraorbital margin and extends from the infraorbital foramen (a small opening in the skull that allows the passage of nerves and blood vessels) to the nasal bone.
It is lined with a thin layer of connective tissue called the periosteum. The periosteum is a vascular and innervated membrane that covers the surface of bones and plays a role in bone growth and repair. The infraorbital groove is also surrounded by several muscles, including the levator labii superioris, the orbicularis oculi, and the zygomaticus minor. These muscles are responsible for facial expression and movement of the upper lip and lower eyelid.
Location
The infraorbital groove is located on the face, just below the infraorbital margin. It can be easily identified by looking for the infraorbital foramen, which is a small opening located on the infraorbital margin, just below the orbit. The infraorbital foramen is located approximately 1 cm below the orbital rim and is surrounded by the infraorbital groove.
Function
The infraorbital groove serves as a passageway for the infraorbital nerve and artery, which are important structures that supply the lower eyelid, cheek, and upper lip. The infraorbital nerve is a branch of the maxillary nerve, which is one of the three main branches of the trigeminal nerve (cranial nerve V). The infraorbital nerve is responsible for transmitting sensory information from the lower eyelid, cheek, and upper lip to the brain.
The infraorbital artery is a branch of the external carotid artery and is responsible for supplying blood to the lower eyelid, cheek, and upper lip. It enters the infraorbital groove through the infraorbital foramen and travels along the groove to reach its destination.
In addition to serving as a passageway for nerves and blood vessels, the infraorbital groove also plays a role in facial expression and movement. The muscles surrounding the infraorbital groove, including the levator labii superioris, the orbicularis oculi, and the zygomaticus minor, are responsible for facial expression and movement of the upper lip and lower eyelid.
Clinical Significance
The infraorbital groove is an important anatomic feature that serves as a passageway for nerves and blood vessels that supply the lower eyelid, cheek, and upper lip. Dysfunction of these structures can lead to a variety of clinical issues.
One common issue is infraorbital nerve dysfunction, which can result in numbness or tingling in the lower eyelid, cheek, and upper lip. This can be caused by trauma, surgery, or nerve damage due to infection or inflammation. Infraorbital nerve dysfunction can also be a symptom of other medical conditions, such as diabetes or multiple sclerosis.
Another issue that can arise is infraorbital artery occlusion, which is a blockage of the infraorbital artery. This can lead to decreased blood flow to the lower eyelid, cheek, and upper lip, resulting in tissue damage and tissue death (necrosis). Infraorbital artery occlusion can be caused by a variety of factors, including trauma, atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries), and thrombosis (blood clot formation).
In addition to these issues, the infraorbital groove can also be a site of pain and discomfort. This can be due to inflammation or irritation of the periosteum, the connective tissue lining the infraorbital groove. This can be caused by a variety of factors, including trauma, infection, or foreign bodies.
