The correct spelling of the anatomical term "foramen infraorbitale" can be explained through IPA phonetic transcription. The word is pronounced as /fɒˈreɪmən ɪnfrəʊrˈbɪtəli/. The first part of the word, "foramen," is pronounced with a short 'o' sound, followed by an 'a' pronounced as in "cat." The second part, "infraorbitale," is pronounced with emphasis on the second syllable and an 'r' sound between the 'o' and 'b.' This term refers to a bony structure located under the eye socket.
The foramen infraorbitale refers to a small bony opening located in the skull, specifically in the region known as the infraorbital rim or infraorbital canal. This anatomical structure is present in humans and certain other mammals, and is situated just below the eye socket or orbit. The term "foramen" refers to any small aperture or hole in the body, while "infraorbitale" denotes its position beneath the orbit.
Measuring approximately 6 to 7 millimeters in diameter, the foramen infraorbitale serves as a passage for different structures that reside in the facial region. It acts as an exit point for the infraorbital nerve, a branch of the trigeminal nerve (cranial nerve V), which is responsible for transmitting sensory information, such as touch and temperature, from the upper lip, cheek, and side of the nose. Additionally, the foramen infraorbitale also allows the passage of blood vessels, such as the infraorbital artery and its accompanying veins, which provide the necessary blood supply to the face and its structures.
The foramen infraorbitale possesses significant clinical importance in dental and maxillofacial surgery, as it plays a role in regional anesthesia techniques and serves as a landmark for certain surgical procedures involving the surrounding structures. Understanding the precise location and function of this anatomical feature is crucial in various medical disciplines, providing a foundation for accurate diagnoses and effective treatment plans in relevant fields.
Infraorbital foramen; the external opening of the infraorbital canal, on the anterior surface of the body of the maxilla.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "foramen infraorbitale" has a Latin etymology.
- "Foramen" comes from the Latin word "forare" which means "to bore" or "to pierce". In anatomy, "foramen" refers to an opening or passage in a bone or tissue.
- "Infra-" is a Latin prefix meaning "below" or "beneath".
- "Orbitale" refers to the orbital bone, which is the bone that forms the eye socket.
Therefore, "foramen infraorbitale" literally translates to "the opening beneath the orbit (eye socket)". It is a term used in anatomy to refer to a specific opening in the skull located beneath the eye socket.