From a superior view identify the contents of the orbit on one side of the head. Use the anterior approach (Steps 10 and 11) to identify the contents of the orbit on the opposite side of the head.

  1. Identify the lacrimal gland, frontal nerve, supraorbital nerve and artery, and superior ophthalmic vein. Attempt to identify the lacrimal nerve. (G 7.38A;N 88;Gl 41.12)
  2. Identify the levator palpebrae superioris, superior rectus and superior oblique muscles. (G 7.38A;N 86;Gl 39.6B) Identify the trochlear nerve entering the proximal (posterior) superior aspect of the superior oblique muscle. Attempt to identify the superior oblique tendon traversing the trochlea.
    Important Relationship
  3. Reflect the levator palpebrae superioris and superior rectus muscles in the posterior direction and identify the superior ramus of the oculomotor nerve. (G 7.38A;N 88;Gl 39.6A)
Orbital Periosteum
Lacrimal Gland
Frontal Nerve
Lacrimal Nerve
Oculomotor Nerve (superior ramus)
Superior Oblique Muscle
Trochlea
Oculomotor and Abducens Nerves