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AnatomyHead and neckOrbit and contentsSuperior orbital fissure
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AnatomyHead and neckOrbit and contentsSuperior orbital fissure

Superior orbital fissure

Author: Edwin Ocran, MBChB, MSc • Reviewer: Dimitrios Mytilinaios, MD, PhD
Last reviewed: March 25, 2024
Reading time: 1 minute

Recommended video: Superior and inferior orbital fissures [20:23]
Structure and contents of the orbital fissures and the optic canal.
Superior orbital fissure
Fissura orbitalis superior
1/3
Synonyms: none

The superior orbital fissure is a large, triangular-shaped opening at the apex of the orbit. It is situated between the greater and lesser wings of the sphenoid bone and lies just lateral to the optic canal.

Its central part is partly covered by the common tendinous ring, from which arise the four recti extraocular muscles. 

The superior orbital fissure transmits several structures between the orbit and the middle cranial fossa including: ophthalmic nerve (CN V1; lacrimal, frontal and nasociliary branches), oculomotor nerve (CN III), the trochlear nerve (CN IV) and the abducent nerve (CN VI). Additionally, the superior ophthalmic vein as well as sympathetic nerve fibers pass through this foramen.

Terminology English: Superior orbital fissure

Latin: Fissura orbitalis superior
Definition Triangular-shaped gap between the the greater and lesser wings of the sphenoid bone
Function - Cranial nerves: Oculomotor (CN III), trochlear (CN IV) and abducens (CN VI)
- Ophthalmic nerve (CN V1) branches: Lacrimal, frontal, nasociliary
- Superior ophthalmic vein
- Sympathetic fibers

Learn more about the superior orbital fissure in the following study unit:

Superior and inferior orbital fissures Explore study unit

Sources

All content published on Kenhub is reviewed by medical and anatomy experts. The information we provide is grounded on academic literature and peer-reviewed research. Kenhub does not provide medical advice. You can learn more about our content creation and review standards by reading our content quality guidelines.
  • Drake, R., Vogl, W., Mitchell, A. & Gray, H. (2015). Gray's anatomy for students. Philadelphia, PA: Churchill Livingstone/Elsevier.
  • Moore, K. L., Dalley, A. F., & Agur, A. M. R. (2014). Clinically Oriented Anatomy (7th ed.). Philadelphia, PA: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.
  • Standring, S. (2016). Gray's Anatomy (41st ed.). Edinburgh: Elsevier Churchill Livingstone

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