Supraorbital foramen or notch: where the forehead nerve exits
- Nerve
- Highlighted area
Quick facts
- Definition
- Opening (foramen) or notch (incisura) in the upper border of the orbit, where the supraorbital bundle exits.
- Difference
- The notch is open at the top and can be felt with a finger; the foramen is a closed hole in the bone.
- Position
- On the upper orbital rim, roughly along the line through the center of the pupil.
- Contents
- Supraorbital nerve and artery.
- Relevance
- Palpation landmark for the forehead, brow and glabella.
The supraorbital foramen, or supraorbital notch, is the point on the upper border of the orbit where the supraorbital nerve and artery exit toward the forehead. In some people, the design is an open groove (notch); in others, a closed canal (foramen). Both versions are common, and one side can differ from the other.
How to tell the notch from the foramen?
| Feature | Notch | Foramen |
|---|---|---|
| Shape | Open groove on the rim | Closed opening in the bone |
| Palpation | Usually felt as a "step" | Generally not felt as a step |
| Frequency | Varies between people | Varies between people |
Both lie on the edge of the orbital rim, in the frontal bone, roughly along the line that descends from the center of the pupil, with the gaze straight ahead. This position can vary.
What passes through there?
The supraorbital nerve carries sensation to the forehead and anterior scalp, and the supraorbital artery supplies the frontal area. The bundle is related to the corrugator muscle and to the brow area.
Why does it matter in facial harmonization?
The forehead, brow and glabella concentrate toxin and filler procedures. Knowing where the supraorbital bundle exits helps understand the sensation of the area, regional anesthesia and the location of vessels that communicate with the territory of the orbit. Since the glabella and the periorbital area are high vascular risk, anatomical knowledge is part of safety.
In Harmy
The app has the Glabella point, which simulates the area between the eyebrows. Foramina and nerves do not appear in the projection.
Also known as: supraorbital notch, supraorbital incisura.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between the supraorbital foramen and the notch?
The notch is an open groove in the rim of the orbit, which can usually be felt by touch. The foramen is a closed canal in the bone, so it is not palpable in the same way. There is variation between people and between the two sides.
Why locate this structure?
Because the supraorbital nerve and artery exit through it, supplying the forehead with blood and sensation. Knowing where they are helps understand the anatomy of the area and avoid injury.