The zygomatico-orbital foramen, also known as the zygomaticofacial foramen or foramen of Labbe, is a small opening located in the human skull. It is found in the zygomatic bone, which is one of the bones that make up the orbit (eyeball socket). The foramen is an important structure in anatomy because it allows for the passage of nerves and blood vessels to and from the face.
Structure
The zygomatico-orbital foramen is a small, oval-shaped opening located in the zygomatic bone, which is a facial bone that forms the prominence of the cheek. The foramen is located on the posterior (back) surface of the zygomatic bone, near the junction of the zygomatic bone and the orbital rim.
The foramen is surrounded by bony tissue, which helps to protect the nerves and blood vessels that pass through it. The size of the foramen varies among individuals, but it is typically around 2-3 mm in diameter.
Location
The zygomatico-orbital foramen is located on the posterior surface of the zygomatic bone, near the junction of the zygomatic bone and the orbital rim. The orbital rim is the bony margin of the orbit, which is the socket that contains the eyeball.
It is a facial bone that forms the prominence of the cheek. It is located in the middle of the face, just below the eye socket. The zygomatic bone is part of the zygomatic arch, which is a bony structure that spans across the cheek and extends from the zygomatic bone to the temporal bone (located in the skull).
Function
The zygomatico-orbital foramen serves as a passage for nerves and blood vessels to and from the face. The foramen allows the following structures to pass through it:
- The zygomaticofacial nerve: This nerve is a branch of the facial nerve (cranial nerve VII), which is responsible for controlling the muscles of facial expression. The zygomaticofacial nerve passes through the foramen and supplies sensory innervation to the skin of the cheek and lateral (side) aspect of the upper lip.
- The zygomaticotemporal nerve: This nerve is a branch of the maxillary nerve (cranial nerve V2), which is responsible for supplying sensory innervation to the skin of the cheek, upper lip, and lateral aspect of the nose. The zygomaticotemporal nerve passes through the foramen and provides sensory innervation to the skin of the temporal region (located on the side of the head).
- The infraorbital artery: This artery is a branch of the internal maxillary artery, which is one of the main arteries of the face. The infraorbital artery passes through the foramen and supplies blood to the lower eyelid, cheek, and upper lip.
Clinical Significance
The zygomatico-orbital foramen has clinical significance because it can be a site of injury or disease. For example, fractures of the zygomatic bone can result in damage to the foramen and the structures that pass through it. This can lead to nerve damage, resulting in numbness or weakness in the affected area.
In addition, it can be affected by infectious diseases, such as sinusitis or abscesses. These conditions can lead to inflammation and swelling in the foramen, which can cause pain and discomfort in the affected area.
Another clinical significance of the zygomatico-orbital foramen is its role in facial cosmetic surgery. The foramen can be used as a surgical approach to access certain structures in the face, such as the infraorbital artery and nerve. This can be helpful in procedures such as cheek augmentation or lower eyelid surgery.
