Orbital Surface Of The Maxilla

Description

Orbital surface of the maxilla forms the anterior two thirds of the orbital floor, presenting as a flat, roughly triangular plate that sits inferior to the globe and anterior to the inferior orbital fissure. Medially, it approaches the lacrimal bone and the ethmoid via the thin orbital process region, while laterally it meets the zygomatic bone near the zygomaticomaxillary suture and the rim. A shallow infraorbital groove courses anteromedially across this surface and continues into the infraorbital canal, carrying the infraorbital nerve and vessels toward the infraorbital foramen on the anterior maxilla. The maxillary sinus lies directly inferior, separated by a thin bony lamina. Thin bone, high stakes. Blowout fractures classically involve this orbital floor, with herniation of orbital fat and possible entrapment of the inferior rectus muscle, and the infraorbital nerve often produces hypoesthesia of the cheek, upper lip, and maxillary teeth when the canal is violated. Because the orbital surface bridges orbit and maxillary sinus, the illustration supports teaching of how sinus pneumatization can reduce bony thickness and why orbital floor implants must respect the posterior ledge near the inferior orbital fissure and the course of the infraorbital canal. Lighting and surface definition help separate the smooth orbital plate from adjacent sutural margins and fissures that guide safe dissection. Use this illustration in head and neck anatomy labs when introducing the orbit, in oral and maxillofacial surgery or oculoplastics materials addressing orbital floor repair, and in radiology teaching files that correlate CT orbital floor defects with infraorbital canal involvement and maxillary sinus hemorrhage. It also fits ENT and endoscopic sinus surgery discussions when orienting the roof of the maxillary sinus relative to the orbit and the infraorbital nerve pathway. Anatomical accuracy verified by SciePro's Medical Advisory Board.