The correct spelling of "fissura orbitalis superior" is crucial to properly identify and understand the anatomical structure. The IPA phonetic transcription of this word is 'fɪˈsʊərə ɔːrˈbɪtəlɪs suːpɪriə'. This transcription explains the pronunciation of each individual letter and syllable in the word. "Fissura" refers to a long, narrow opening or crack, while "orbitalis" refers to the eye socket. "Superior" indicates the upper part of the eye socket. Understanding the spelling and meaning of such technical terms is vital in the medical field.
The term "fissura orbitalis superior" refers to a structure located in the skull known as the superior orbital fissure. This anatomical feature is situated in the sphenoid bone, which is situated at the base of the skull.
The superior orbital fissure represents a narrow opening or cleft that is found in the posterior part of the orbit, which is the bony socket that houses and protects the eyeball. This fissure is located between the greater and lesser wings of the sphenoid bone, forming a small triangular space.
The superior orbital fissure serves as a passageway for several important structures that are involved in the function and innervation of the eye and its surrounding structures. Some of these structures include the oculomotor nerve (cranial nerve III), the trochlear nerve (cranial nerve IV), the abducens nerve (cranial nerve VI), the frontal and lacrimal nerves (branches of the ophthalmic nerve, a branch of the trigeminal nerve), as well as the superior ophthalmic vein.
These structures traverse the fissure to supply innervation to the muscles that control eye movement, transmit sensory information, and supply blood to the structures within the orbit. Consequently, any disruption or compression of the superior orbital fissure can result in various neurological symptoms, such as double vision and sensory disturbances in the forehead and upper eyelid.
Superior orbital fissure, sphenoidal fissure, foramen lacerum anterius; a cleft between the greater and the lesser wing of the sphenoid establishing a channel of communication between the middle cranial fossa and the orbit, through which pass the third, fourth, ophthalmic division of the fifth, and the sixth cranial nerves, and the ophthalmic veins.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.