Tarsus and Palpebral Ligaments, Anterior View

Description

Centered on the anterior orbit, the eyelid framework is represented by the superior and inferior tarsal plates positioned immediately deep to the palpebral margins, spanning from the medial canthus toward the lateral canthus. Medially, the palpebral ligaments (medial palpebral ligament and its attachments to the lacrimal bone region) converge near the anterior lacrimal crest, while laterally the lateral palpebral ligament anchors toward the zygomatic bone at the lateral orbital rim. Surrounding bony landmarks include the frontal bone superiorly, maxilla inferiorly, and zygomatic bone laterally, with the orbital aperture framing the periorbital connective tissue relationships. Clear orbital context. Anterior orientation matters because the canthal tendons define eyelid position against the globe and set the vectors that surgeons manipulate in ectropion and entropion repair. Lateral canthotomy and inferior cantholysis are performed at the lateral canthus to rapidly decompress the orbit in retrobulbar hemorrhage, and a correct mental map of the lateral palpebral ligament relative to the lateral orbital rim prevents incomplete release. The medial side carries its own cautions, since the medial palpebral ligament lies adjacent to the lacrimal drainage apparatus and is a common source of iatrogenic injury during medial canthal reconstruction. Ophthalmology and facial plastic surgery teaching files use this view to explain eyelid support, canthal tendon tightening (canthopexy, canthoplasty), and the bony anchors that determine postoperative lid height and contour. It also suits anatomy lab manuals and oculoplastics chapters that pair eyelid connective tissue with orbital rim landmarks for front-facing examination and trauma documentation. Anatomical accuracy verified by SciePro's Medical Advisory Board.