Superior and inferior orbital fissures: Neurovasculature (Latin)

The fissura orbitalis superior is located superolateral to the canalis opticus and positioned between the ala minor and ala major of the o​​s sphenoideum. The anulus tendineus communis is situated along the anteroinferior aspect of the fissura orbitalis superior. Several nerves and veins pass through the fissura orbitalis superior with some also extending within the anulus tendineus communis. From superior to inferior, the contents of the fissura orbitalis superior include the n. lacrimalis, n. frontalis, v. ophthalmica superior, n. trochlearis (CN IV), the r. superior nervi oculomotorii (CN III), n. nasociliaris, n. abducens (CN VI), the r. inferior nervi oculomotorii (CN III) and the r. superior venae ophthalmicae inferioris. The fissura orbitalis inferior is located between the os sphenoideum and os maxillare and lies inferolateral to the canalis opticus and inferior to the fissura orbitalis superior. It opens into the posterolateral aspect of the orbital floor and allows the passage of several neurovascular structures. Contents of the fissura orbitalis inferior include the n. infraorbitalis, n. zygomaticus, r. inferior venae ophthalmicae inferioris, a. infraorbitalis and the r. orbitales gangli pterygopalatini.