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Supra-orbital notch

Medically Reviewed by Anatomy Team

  • Last updated on January 17, 2025

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The supraorbital notch (also known as the supraorbital foramen or supraorbital margin) is a small, oval-shaped indentation located in the upper portion of the orbital rim, just above the orbit (eye socket). It is a key landmark in the anatomy of the skull, and has both functional and clinical significance.[1]

Structure

The supraorbital notch is formed by a protrusion of the frontal bone, which is one of the bones that make up the skull. It is located at the junction of the frontal bone and the orbital plate of the ethmoid bone, which forms the roof of the orbit. The notch is typically about 2-3mm in diameter and is surrounded by a rim of bone called the supraorbital margin.

The supraorbital notch is formed by the frontal bone, which is one of the bones that make up the skull. It is located at the junction of the frontal bone and the orbital plate of the ethmoid bone, which forms the roof of the orbit.[8]

The supraorbital notch is surrounded by a rim of bone called the supraorbital margin. This margin serves as a attachment site for several muscles and ligaments, including the frontalis muscle, which is responsible for raising the eyebrows.[3] The supraorbital margin also serves as a attachment site for the supraorbital artery and nerve, which supply blood and sensation to the forehead and scalp.

Location

The supraorbital notch is located in the upper portion of the orbital rim, just above the orbit (eye socket).[6] It is located on the midline of the forehead, about 1-2cm above the superior orbital rim. The notch is easily visible and palpable in most people, and can be used as a reference point for identifying other structures in the skull and face.[5]

Function

The supraorbital notch has several important functions in the body. One of its primary functions is to allow for the passage of the supraorbital artery and nerve, which supply blood and sensation to the forehead and scalp.[4] The notch also serves as a attachment site for several muscles and ligaments, including the frontalis muscle, which is responsible for raising the eyebrows.

In addition to its functional roles, the supraorbital notch also has clinical significance. It is used as a reference point for identifying other structures in the skull and face, and can be used to assess the symmetry of the face and the presence of any abnormalities or deformities.[7]

Clinical Significance

The supraorbital notch has several clinical applications in the fields of anatomy and medicine. In anatomy, the notch is used as a reference point for identifying other structures in the skull and face, and can be used to assess the symmetry of the face and the presence of any abnormalities or deformities.[2]

In medicine, the supraorbital notch is sometimes used as a site for administering local anesthetics or other medications, as it is a relatively painless and easily accessible location. The notch is also sometimes used as a site for the insertion of a feeding tube in patients who are unable to swallow.

In plastic surgery, the supraorbital notch is sometimes used as a site for injecting fillers or performing other cosmetic procedures to enhance the appearance of the forehead and brow area.

References

  1. Standring, S. (2016). Gray’s Anatomy: The Anatomical Basis of Clinical Practice (41st ed.). Elsevier. ISBN 978-0-7020-5230-9.
  2. Moore, K. L., Dalley, A. F., & Agur, A. M. R. (2017). Clinically Oriented Anatomy (8th ed.). Wolters Kluwer. ISBN 978-1-4963-4721-3.
  3. Netter, F. H. (2018). Atlas of Human Anatomy (7th ed.). Elsevier. ISBN 978-0-323-39336-1.
  4. Snell, R. S. (2012). Clinical Anatomy by Regions (9th ed.). Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. ISBN 978-1-60547-652-0.
  5. Drake, R. L., Vogl, W., & Mitchell, A. W. M. (2020). Gray’s Anatomy for Students (4th ed.). Elsevier. ISBN 978-0-323-59559-8.
  6. Williams, P. L., & Warwick, R. (1995). Gray’s Anatomy (38th ed.). Churchill Livingstone. ISBN 978-0-443-04155-1.
  7. Thieme, A. L. (2016). Head and Neuroanatomy (THIEME Atlas of Anatomy) (2nd ed.). Thieme. ISBN 978-1-62623-242-8.
  8. Tortora, G. J., & Nielsen, M. T. (2017). Principles of Human Anatomy (14th ed.). Wiley. ISBN 978-1-119-37914-8.