The supraorbital point is a bony prominence on the forehead above the eye socket, also known as the brow ridge. The spelling of this word is "soo-pruh-or-bi-tl poynt" [sʊprəˈɔːrbɪtl pɔɪnt]. In the IPA phonetic transcription, the letters "u" and "a" represent the short "uh" and "a" sounds, respectively. The "t" and "l" sounds in "point" are also pronounced separately. This term is commonly used in medical and anthropological research to measure skull characteristics and is important in identifying different human groups.
The supraorbital point, also known as the supraorbital notch or foramen, refers to a specific anatomical landmark on the human skull. Located above the eye socket or orbit, it is found at the junction of the frontal bone and the zygomatic bone, commonly referred to as the forehead.
The supraorbital point is a small depression or opening, marking the exit point of the supraorbital nerve and artery. This nerve originates from the ophthalmic branch of the trigeminal nerve and carries sensory information from the skin of the forehead, upper eyelid, and scalp. The corresponding artery, known as the supraorbital artery, supplies blood to these regions.
Identifying the supraorbital point is crucial in various medical fields such as anatomy, neurology, and craniofacial surgery. It is commonly used as a reference point for craniofacial measurements and as a landmark for the administration of local anesthesia and nerve blocks in surgical procedures involving the forehead, upper eyelid, and scalp.
In addition to its medical significance, the supraorbital point also serves as a reference for anthropologists and forensic scientists involved in skeletal analysis or facial reconstructions. By identifying this feature in skeletal remains, it can help determine a person's age, sex, and even ancestral characteristics, providing valuable insight into the individual's biological profile.
Ophryon.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "supraorbital" is a combination of two Latin roots: "supra" meaning "above" and "orbital" referring to the bone socket that houses the eyeball, the orbit.
The word "point" comes from the Latin word "punctum" which means "mark" or "spot".
Therefore, the etymology of "supraorbital point" refers to the spot or mark above the eye socket.