An orbital bone is one of the bones that forms the bony socket, or orbit, that protects the eye and its associated structures.
The orbit is a complex structure composed of several bones of the skull. These bones work together to create a protective cavity that houses the eyeball, muscles that control eye movement, nerves, blood vessels, and the lacrimal apparatus (tear-producing glands). Because of the orbit's crucial role in protecting the eye and related tissues, orbital bone fractures can be serious and require prompt medical attention.
Here's a breakdown of the bones that contribute to the formation of the orbit:
- Frontal Bone: Forms the superior (top) portion of the orbit.
- Zygomatic Bone: Forms the lateral (outer) wall and inferior (bottom) portion of the orbit.
- Maxillary Bone: Forms the inferior (bottom) and medial (inner) portions of the orbit.
- Ethmoid Bone: Contributes to the medial (inner) wall of the orbit.
- Lacrimal Bone: Located in the medial (inner) wall, near the ethmoid.
- Sphenoid Bone: Forms the posterior (back) portion of the orbit.
- Palatine Bone: A small portion contributes to the posterior (back) part of the floor of the orbit.
Fractures involving the orbital bones can lead to various complications, including:
- Eye Damage: Direct injury to the eyeball itself.
- Vision Impairment: Compression or damage to the optic nerve.
- Double Vision (Diplopia): Disruption of the muscles that control eye movement.
- Enophthalmos: Sunken eye appearance due to displacement of the eyeball within the orbit.
Understanding the orbital bones is essential for diagnosing and treating injuries affecting the eye and surrounding structures.
