Use a superior approach to identify the contents of the orbit on the side of the head without the brain. Use the anterior approach (Steps 10 and 11) to identify the contents of the orbit on the opposite side of the head.
- Identify the lacrimal gland, frontal nerve, supraorbital nerve and artery, and superior ophthalmic vein. (G 7.33A;N 86;Gl 35.9) Attempt to identify the lacrimal nerve.
- Identify the
levator palpebrae superioris,
superior rectus and
superior oblique muscles. (G 7.33A;N 84;Gl 35.12) Identify the
trochlear nerve entering the proximal (posterior) superior aspect of the superior oblique muscle.
Important Relationship
- The superior oblique (tendon) muscle passes inferior to the superior rectus muscle.
- The superior oblique muscle is positioned superior to the medial rectus muscle.
- Reflect the levator palpebrae superioris and superior rectus muscles in the posterior direction and identify the superior ramus of the oculomotor nerve. (G 7.33A;N 86;Gl 35.12B)
