Supraorbital

Supraorbital refers to anything situated above the orbit of the eye. The term is often used to describe two specific structures, the supraorbital ridge and the supraorbital nerve, both of which are located above the orbit.

Supraorbital Ridge

The supraorbital ridge or superciliary arch is a bony ridge located above the eye sockets in many animals. In humans, the brow ridge is a smooth, sweeping arch above the orbits, more prominent in men than in women. The ridge offers some degree of protection for the eyes from dirt, sweat, and other foreign bodies.

Supraorbital Nerve

The supraorbital nerve is a terminal branch of the frontal nerve, which itself is a branch of the ophthalmic nerve. It passes through the supraorbital foramen, a hole in the frontal bone above the orbit, to supply sensation to the forehead and scalp.

Clinical Significance

The supraorbital nerve can be affected in a number of medical conditions, including supraorbital neuralgia, a condition characterized by chronic pain in the supraorbital region. This condition can be caused by trauma to the nerve, compression of the nerve, or unknown causes.

See Also

• Orbit (anatomy)
• Frontal nerve
• Ophthalmic nerve
• Supraorbital neuralgia

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