Anatomical Structure And Location Of The Maxilla's Infraorbital Groove

Description

Infraorbital groove (sulcus infraorbitalis) tracks along the orbital surface of the maxilla on the floor of the orbit, beginning posteriorly near the inferior orbital fissure and running anteriorly before narrowing into the infraorbital canal. From this fixed superior-to-inferior orbital view, the groove sits medial to the zygomaticomaxillary region and lateral to the thin medial orbital wall, with its anterior continuation directed toward the infraorbital foramen on the facial surface. The concavity of the groove is set into the maxillary body, with the roof of the maxillary sinus lying inferior to it. A tight corridor. Clinical relevance centers on the infraorbital neurovascular bundle: the infraorbital nerve (terminal continuation of the maxillary nerve, CN V2) and the infraorbital artery and vein traverse the groove, then the canal, before emerging onto the face. Orbital floor fractures often involve this region, and disruption or compression along the groove-canal pathway explains post-traumatic hypesthesia of the lower eyelid, lateral nose, and upper lip, even when the infraorbital foramen itself is intact. The single-view emphasis on the groove’s posterior origin and anterior trajectory supports surgical planning for orbital floor repair, where implant placement must respect the canal to avoid iatrogenic nerve injury, and it also clarifies why local anesthetic deposited near the infraorbital foramen may not fully address pain if entrapment lies more posteriorly along the groove. Use this illustration in head and neck anatomy courses to teach the transition from orbit to midface, and in maxillofacial or oculoplastics publications discussing blowout fractures, infraorbital nerve block technique, or approaches to the orbital floor and maxillary sinus. It also fits radiology teaching files as an anatomic correlate for CT evaluation of the infraorbital canal and adjacent sinus roof. Anatomical accuracy verified by SciePro's Medical Advisory Board.