Zygomaticoorbital Hole

Zygomaticoorbital Foramen: Anatomical feature of the orbit

The zygomaticoorbital foramen, also known as the foramen zygomaticoorbitale or PNA (Pterygionasoalveolaris), BNA (Bucconasoalveolaris) and JNA (Jugulonasoalveolaris), is an anatomical structure located in the orbital region. This opening plays an important role in the structure of the skull and the functioning of the facial region.

The zygomaticoorbital foramen is located on the lateral (side) wall of the orbit, at the intersection of the zygomatic bone and the upper jaw. It is oval in shape and serves as a passage for nerves, vessels and other structures associated with the orbit.

One of the important elements passing through the zygomaticoorbital foramen is the nerve trunk, consisting of three main nerves: the maxillary nerve (nervus maxillaris), the mandibular nerve (nervus mandibularis) and the crossing nerve (nervus zygomaticoorbitalis). These nerves are responsible for the innervation of the facial muscles, skin and mucous membrane in this area.

In addition, blood vessels pass through the zygomaticoorbital foramen, including branches of the internal carotid artery and some branches of the internal jugular artery. These vessels provide blood supply to the facial area and orbit.

The zygomaticoorbital foramen is also important in clinical practice. In some cases, its size may increase or change, which can be accompanied by various symptoms and problems. For example, enlargement of the hole can lead to compression of nerves and blood vessels, causing pain, changes in sensitivity, or even blurred vision.

In conclusion, the zygomaticoorbital foramen is an important anatomical feature of the facial region. It provides passage for nerves and blood vessels, playing a key role in the functioning of the orbit and blood supply. The study of this structure helps to understand the anatomy of the head and neck, and can also be of clinical importance in the diagnosis and treatment of various pathologies associated with this region.

Zygomaticoorbital canal In the transverse direction, two mutually perpendicular fossae (anterior and posterior) are formed. The anterior one is flattened in the sagittal plane. At the medial wall, the fossa connects to the angle of the orbit. Both fossae are separated by an unpaired triangular ridge (piercing the zygomaticovaginal muscle), which connects with the lateral process of the sphenoid bone to form the zygomatic foramina (foramena zygomatica externa). The transverse process is located anterior, lateral and caudal to the fossa, ending in a shallow transverse groove. The grooves on the medial surface extend to the cricoid process. At its location, the zygomatic process branches into the lateral extensors of the nose and the middle part of the upper jaw, and the large one also retracts the buccal muscle. The greater pterygoid process is directed towards the di