Inferior orbital fissure: passage between orbit and fossa
Quick facts
- Definition
- Bony cleft in the floor of the orbit, between the sphenoid bone and the maxilla.
- Connects
- The orbit with the infratemporal fossa and the pterygopalatine fossa.
- What passes through
- Infraorbital nerve, infraorbital vessels, zygomatic branch and veins linking the orbit to the pterygoid plexus.
- Position
- Deep, in the inferior and lateral wall of the orbit.
- Relevance
- Baseline anatomy for understanding the periorbital area and its vessels.
The inferior orbital fissure is a bony cleft in the floor and lateral wall of the orbit, located between the sphenoid bone and the maxilla. It links the orbital cavity with two deep regions of the skull: the infratemporal fossa and the pterygopalatine fossa. It is an anatomical landmark with no associated procedure, but useful for anyone who treats the periorbital area.
What passes through the fissure?
In broad terms, the fissure is crossed by the infraorbital nerve (a branch of the maxillary nerve), the infraorbital vessels, a zygomatic branch and small veins connecting the orbit with the pterygoid plexus. The infraorbital artery runs along the orbital floor and emerges on the face. The description varies somewhat between sources, and this entry is a summary.
Where is it in relation to the superior fissure?
| Fissure | Between which bones | Main structures |
|---|---|---|
| Superior (superior orbital fissure) | Wings of the sphenoid | Nerves that move the eye and branches of the ophthalmic nerve |
| Inferior | Sphenoid and maxilla | Infraorbital nerve and vessels, venous connections |
Why does it matter in facial harmonization?
Understanding the deep connections of the orbit helps explain the circulation of the infraorbital area, where tear troughs and the tear trough groove are treated. It is a high vascular risk area, where respecting the orbital rim and the vascular anatomy is part of safety. The deep venous connections illustrate why a local problem may have implications beyond the skin.
How to use the concept in practice?
This entry is not an injection guide, but a basis for understanding why there are clear limits around the orbit. When the patient asks why the periorbital area is treated with so much care, the professional can explain that the region connects to important deep structures.
In Harmy
The app's Tear Trough point simulates ml and intensity on the frontal photo. The projection does not represent bone or vascular anatomy.
Also known as: sphenomaxillary fissure.
Frequently asked questions
Where is the inferior orbital fissure?
In the lower and lateral corner of the orbit, between the sphenoid bone and the maxilla. It cannot be seen or felt as such, because it lies deep to the orbital rim.
Is it a target of facial harmonization procedures?
No. It is a deep structure used as an anatomical landmark. Its value is in explaining why the orbit and the infraorbital area are connected to important vessels and nerves.