Sutura infraorbitalis is a medical term that describes the suture (joint) between the infraorbital and lacrimal bones of the skull. The spelling may seem tricky, but it's actually quite straightforward once you break it down phonetically. The first word, "sutura," is pronounced /suːˈtjʊərə/ (soo-TOO-ruh), with stress on the second syllable. The second word, "infraorbitalis," is pronounced /ˌɪnfrawˌɔrbaɪˈtælɪs/ (in-fra-or-BY-tuh-lis), with stress on the fourth syllable. Overall, mastering medical terminology requires understanding pronunciation and the word breakdown.
The term "sutura infraorbitalis" refers to a specific anatomical feature located in the human skull. It is derived from Latin, where "sutura" means "suture" and "infraorbitalis" pertains to being below the orbit of the eye.
The sutura infraorbitalis is a descriptive term used in the field of anatomy to identify the suture or joint that connects the two bones of the skull known as the maxilla and the zygomatic bone. The maxilla is the upper jawbone, while the zygomatic bone, also called the cheekbone, forms the prominence of the cheek. The sutura infraorbitalis is positioned beneath the orbital socket, which accommodates the eye.
This particular suture is significant as it marks the boundary between these two bones. It is identifiable as a slight ridge or irregular zigzag line running horizontally across the area just below the orbit. The sutura infraorbitalis contributes to the structural stability, strength, and integrity of the skull, ensuring the proper alignment and union of the maxilla and zygomatic bone.
Knowledge of the sutura infraorbitalis is crucial for professionals in various medical disciplines like anatomy, surgery, and dentistry. It aids in understanding facial anatomy, surgical approaches to the region, and the identification of specific landmarks during procedures involving the face and skull.
Infraorbital suture, an inconstant suture sometimes found running from the infraorbital foramen, on the anterior surface of the maxilla, to the infraorbital groove in the floor of the orbit, separating the orbital plate of the malar process from the rest of the maxilla.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "sutura infraorbitalis" comes from Latin.
- "Sutura" means "seam" or "suture" in Latin, referring to the anatomical structure that joins two bones together.
- "Infraorbitalis" is derived from two Latin words: "infra", meaning "below" or "under", and "orbitalis", meaning "orbital" or "relating to the eye socket".
Together, "sutura infraorbitalis" refers to the suture located below or underneath the eye socket, specifically in the context of anatomy.