17.09.

2019 Eyelid Anatomy: Overview, Surface Anatomy, Skin and Subcutaneous Tissue

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Eyelid Anatomy
Updated: Jun 30, 2016
Author: Bhupendra C K Patel, MD, FRCS; Chief Editor: Arlen D Meyers, MD, MBA more...

OVERVIEW

Overview
The eyelids act to protect the anterior surface of the globe from local injury. Additionally, they aid in
regulation of light reaching the eye; in tear film maintenance, by distributing the protective and
optically important tear film over the cornea during blinking; and in tear flow, by their pumping
action on the conjunctival sac and lacrimal sac.

Structures that must be considered in a description of lid anatomy are the skin and subcutaneous
tissue; the orbicularis oculi muscle (shown below); the submuscular areolar tissue; the fibrous
layer, consisting of the tarsi and the orbital septum; the lid retractors of the upper and lower
eyelids; the retroseptal fat pads; and the conjunctiva.

Orbicularis oculi muscle anatomy. (A) Frontalis, (B) corrugator superciliaris, (C) procerus, (D) orbital orbicularis, (E)
preseptal orbicularis, (F) pretarsal orbicularis.

The anatomy of the lid is best approached initially by reviewing a sagittal cross section of the
eyelid. The exact number of tissue layers and the relationship between the many layers are
modified significantly by the level of the lid examined. The orbital septum represents the anatomic
boundary between the lid tissue and the orbital tissue, but an assessment of eyelid function and
preparation for lid surgery requires knowledge of these postseptal structures. The upper and lower
lids may be considered analogous structures, with differences mainly in the lid retractor
arrangement. [1]
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In eyelid reconstruction, it is more practical to consider the repair of the anterior and posterior
lamellae, with the anterior lamella being the skin and orbicularis, and the posterior lamella being
the tarsus and conjunctiva.

For patient education information, see the Eye and Vision Center, as well as Anatomy of the Eye.

Surface Anatomy
The upper eyelid extends superiorly to the eyebrow, which separates it from the forehead. The
lower lid extends below the inferior orbital rim to join the cheek, forming folds where the loose
connective tissue of the eyelid is juxtaposed with the denser tissue of the cheek. (See the images
below.)

Upper eyelid anatomy.

Lower eyelid anatomy.

The upper eyelid skin crease (superior palpebral sulcus) is approximately 8-11 mm superior to the
eyelid margin and is formed by the attachment of the superficial insertion of levator aponeurotic
fibers (8-9 mm in men and 9-11 mm in women). The inferior eyelid fold (inferior palpebral sulcus),
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which is seen more frequently in children, runs from 3 mm inferior to the medial lower lid margin to
5 mm inferior to the lateral lid margin.

The nasojugal fold runs inferiorly and laterally from the inner canthal region along the depression of
separation of the orbicularis oculi and the levator labii superioris, forming the tear trough. The
malar fold runs inferiorly and medially from the outer canthus toward the inferior aspect of the
nasojugal fold.

The open eye presents the palpebral fissure, a fusiform space between the lid margins that is 28-
30 mm in length and about 9 mm in maximal height. The natural curvature of the upper lid is a
function of the static shape of the tarsus combined with adaptation of the lid to the curvature of the
globe.

In the normal adult fissure, the highest point of the upper lid is just nasal to the center of the pupil,
while the lowest point of the lower lid is just temporal to the center of the pupil. In youths, the upper
lid margin rests at the upper limbus, while in adults, it rests 1.5 mm below the limbus. The lower
eyelid margin rests at the level of the lower limbus. The lateral canthal angle is 2 mm higher than
the medial canthal angle in Europeans; it is 3 mm higher in Asians. The distance from the medial
canthus to the midline of the nose is approximately 15 mm. (See the image below.)

Medial canthus.

The palpebral fissure presents the lateral canthus (an angle of 30-40° approximately 5 mm from
the lateral orbital rim), the medial canthus (forming the medial angle of the fissure, with the upper
border passing inferomedially and the lower border passing horizontally), and the lacrimal papillae,
which rest on the free lid margin, with the punctum lacrimale serving as an opening to the
canaliculus.

Skin and Subcutaneous Tissue

The skin of the eyelids is the thinnest of the body (< 1 mm). The nasal portion of the eyelid skin
has finer hairs and more sebaceous glands than the temporal aspect, making this skin smoother
and oilier. The transition from this thin eyelid skin to the thicker skin of the eyebrow (approximately
10 mm below the lower eyebrow hairs) and the cheek skin (below the nasojugal and malar folds) is
clinically evident. These boundaries should be considered in reconstructive eyelid surgery. The
subcutaneous tissue consists of loose connective tissue.

Fat is very sparse in preseptal and preorbital skin and is absent from pretarsal skin. Subcutaneous
tissue is absent over the medial and lateral palpebral ligaments, where the skin adheres to the
underlying fibrous tissue. Dermatochalasis, blepharochalasis, and epicanthic folds all are
conditions that primarily involve the skin and subcutaneous tissue of the eyelids.

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Orbicularis Oculi Muscle

The orbicularis oculi muscle is one of the superficial muscles of facial expression. Invested by the
superficial musculoaponeurotic system (SMAS), muscle contracture is translated into movement of
the overlying tissues by the fibrous septa extending from the SMAS into the dermis.

The muscle may be arbitrarily divided into the orbital and palpebral parts, with the latter being
divided further into the preseptal and pretarsal portions. The palpebral portion is used in blinking
and voluntary winking, while the orbital portion is used in forced closure. Facial nerve innervation is
from the temporal branches and from zygomatic branches of the facial nerve. The nerves are
orientated horizontally and innervate the muscle from the undersurface.

The orbital portion extends in a wide, circular fashion around the orbit, interdigitating with other
muscles of facial expression. It has a curved origin from the medial orbital margin, being attached
to the superomedial orbital margin, maxillary process of the frontal bone, medial palpebral
ligament, frontal process of the maxilla, and inferomedial orbital margin. Fibers from this medial
origin sweep around the orbital margin in a horseshoe fashion. The muscle fibers extend superiorly
to intermix with the frontalis muscle and corrugator supercilii muscle, laterally to cover the anterior
temporalis fascia, and inferiorly to cover the origins of the lip elevators.

The preseptal orbicularis muscles overlie the orbital septum and take origin medially from a
superficial and deep head associated with the medial palpebral ligament. The fibers from the upper
and lower lid join laterally to form the lateral palpebral raphe, which is attached to the overlying
skin.

The pretarsal portion lies anterior to the tarsus, with a superficial and deep head of origin intimately
associated with the medial palpebral ligament. Fibers run horizontally and laterally to run deep to
the lateral palpebral raphe, to insert in the lateral orbital tubercle through the intermediary of the
lateral canthal tendon (LCT).

Submuscular Areolar Tissue

Submuscular areolar tissue consists of variable, loose connective tissue below the orbicularis oculi
muscle. The lid may be split into anterior and posterior portions through this potential plane, which
is reached by division at the gray line of the lid margin. In the upper lid, this plane is traversed by
fibers of the levator aponeurosis, some of which pass through the orbicularis to attach to the skin to
form the lid crease. In the lower eyelid, this plane is traversed by fibers of the orbitomalar ligament.

Superior continuance in this submuscular plane arrives at the retro-orbicularis oculi fat (ROOF),
which is best developed in the eyebrow region. Additionally, the suborbicularis oculi fat (SOOF) is
found in the lower lid in a continuance of this plane.

Tarsi and Orbital Septum

Tarsal plates
The tarsal plates are composed of dense fibrous tissue and are responsible for the structural
integrity of the lids. Each tarsus is approximately 29 mm long and 1 mm thick. The crescentic
superior tarsus is 10 mm in vertical height centrally, narrowing medially and laterally. The lower

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border of the superior tarsus forms the posterior lid margin. The rectangular inferior tarsus is 3.5-5
mm high at the eyelid center. The posterior surfaces of the tarsi adhere to conjunctivae.

Each tarsus encloses about 25 sebaceous meibomian glands, which span the vertical height of the
tarsus. Their ducts open at the lid margin posterior to the grey line and just anterior to the
mucocutaneous junction. The medial and lateral ends of the tarsi are attached to the orbital rims by
the medial and lateral palpebral ligaments.

Medial palpebral ligament

The medial palpebral ligament (medial canthal tendon [MCT]) is a fibrous band stabilizing the
medial tarsi and is intricately related with the orbicularis oculi muscle and the lacrimal system. The
superficial head of the pretarsal orbicularis muscle lies anterior to the canaliculi and forms the
anterior limb of the MCT. This head is primarily horizontal but also has a superior supporting
extension inserting onto the frontal bone. The deep head of the pretarsal orbicularis muscle (also
constituting the Horner muscle) inserts into the posterior lacrimal crest and onto the fascia of the
lacrimal sac.

The upper and lower lid preseptal orbicularis have a superficial head that inserts into and
augments the MCT and deep heads that insert into the lacrimal sac fascia. Thus, the lacrimal sac,
encased in fascia, is related anteriorly, laterally, and posteriorly to constituents of the MCT and
medially to the bony fossa of the lacrimal sac. (See the image below.)

Eye and lacrimal duct.

Lateral palpebral ligament

The lateral palpebral ligament (lateral canthal tendon [LCT]) is formed by dense fibrous tissue
arising from the tarsi and passes laterally deep to the septum orbitale to insert into the lateral
orbital tubercle 1.5 mm posterior to the lateral orbital rim. The tendon is approximately 10.5 mm in
length and 6.5 mm in width, and the midpoint of the LCT inserts 10 mm inferior to the
frontozygomatic suture. A small pocket of fat (Eisler pocket) lies between the septum and the LCT.
The LCT is also attached to the lateral orbital rim more superficially, through the orbital septum.
This superficial fascial plane has been characterized by Knize as the “superficial lateral canthal
tendon” and may be used as a structure to suspend or stabilize the lateral canthus. [2]

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Superiorly, the LCT is contiguous with the lateral horn of the levator aponeurosis, while the inferior
edge is well defined and arcs inferiorly to its insertion. About 2 mm of lateral movement of the
lateral canthal angle occurs during abduction, presumably caused by posterior fibrous attachments
to the lateral check ligament of the lateral rectus muscle.

Flowers et al described a lateral tarsal strap, distinct from the lateral canthal tendon, as a broad
and strong structure connecting the lower lid tarsal plate to the inferolateral orbital rim. [3] The
tarsal strap attaches 3 mm inferiorly and 1 mm deep to the lateral canthal tendon, approximately 4-
5 mm deep to the anterior orbital rim. Upon surgical release of the tarsal strap, the lateral canthus
is elevated easily.

Orbital septum
The orbital septum is a connective tissue structure that attaches peripherally at the periosteum of
the orbital margin (the arcus marginalis); it centrally fuses with the lid retractor structures near the
lid margins, thus acting as a diaphragm (that has been reported to retain orbital contents).
Although usually depicted diagrammatically as a discrete layer immediately posterior to the
orbicularis oculi muscle, the orbital septum is a multilaminated structure that is part of the anterior
orbital connective tissue framework. The septum has a laxity consistent with the mobility of the
eyelids.

Laterally, the septum is attached to the orbital margin, 1.5 mm in front of the lateral orbital tubercle
attachment of the lateral palpebral ligament. The Eisler fat pocket separates the lateral palpebral
ligament from the orbital septum. From there, the septum continues along the superior orbital rim
at the arcus marginalis. Superomedially, the septum bridges the supraorbital groove, passes
inferomedially anterior to the trochlea, and then follows the posterior lacrimal crest. As it runs down
the posterior lacrimal crest, it lies anterior to the medial check ligament and posterior to the Horner
muscle (and hence, behind the lacrimal sac).

The line of attachment crosses the lacrimal sac fascia to reach the anterior lacrimal crest at the
level of the lacrimal tubercle. From there, it passes inferiorly down the anterior lacrimal crest and
laterally along the inferior orbital rim. A few millimeters lateral to the zygomaticomaxillary suture,
the attachment leaves the rim and lies several millimeters from it on the facial aspect of the
zygomatic bone, thus forming the fat-filled premarginal recess of Eisler. The line of attachment then
continues to again reach the lateral orbital rim, just below the level of the Whitnall ligament.

Reid et al proposed the existence of a septal extension, from the line of fusion of the orbital septum
to the levator aponeurosis, extending caudally to cover the tarsal plate up to the ciliary margin. [4]
The septal extension acts as an adjunct to the levator aponeurosis; recognition of this structure
may be important to avoid relapse or complications in ptosis repair and blepharoplasty.

The orbicularis retaining ligament

The orbicularis retaining ligament (also called the orbitomalar ligament or the orbicularis retaining
septum) attaches the orbicularis oculi to the inferior orbital rim; it is broader and stronger
inferolaterally than centrally. This ligament is a bilaminar membrane separated by a thin layer or fat
along the inferior orbital rim and spans circumferentially around the entire orbit. The expanded
lateral end of the orbicularis retaining ligament is continuous with the lateral orbital thickening. The
orbicularis retaining ligament ends medially with direct connection to the orbicularis oculi muscle at
approximately the level of the nasal limbus, above the levator labii superioris. It has been shown to
be consistently inferior to the zygomaticofacial nerve and foramen, making it an important surgical
landmark. [5] The orbicularis retaining ligament is distinct from the orbital septum, and the two fuse
to from the arcus marginalis.

The orbital thickening is a fibrous fusion between the orbicularis fascia covering the peripheral part
of the orbicularis oculi, and the underlying deep fascia (ie, periosteum and the deep temporalis

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fascia). The orbital thickening extends across the entire width of the frontal process of zygomatic
bone and onto the deep temporal fascia for a variable distance.

With age, the retaining ligament becomes distended and thinned, with the changes being greater
centrally than laterally. During surgery, the detachment of the orbital thickening and the lateral part
of the retaining ligament will completely release the superficial fascia from the orbital rim.

Eyelid Retractors
Upper lid retractors
The levator palpebra superioris (LPS) arises at the orbital apex from the undersurface of the lesser
wing of the sphenoid bone. The levator muscle and superior rectus muscle share a developmental
origin and are connected by fibrous attachments. The LPS proceeds anteriorly for 40 mm and ends
in an aponeurosis approximately 10 mm behind the orbital septum. The levator complex changes
direction from a horizontal to a more vertical direction at the superior transverse ligament (Whitnall
ligament).

The superior transverse ligament lies near the junction of the muscular and aponeurotic levator
and represents an orbital fascial condensation spanning the anterosuperior orbit between the
trochlea and the lacrimal gland fascia. Variations in thickness and adherence to the levator
complex are evident. Thin fascial attachments lie between the superior transverse ligament and
superior orbital rim.

The levator aponeurosis spreads laterally and medially to form lateral and medial horns. The
medial horn attaches to the posterior lacrimal crest. The lateral horn divides the lacrimal gland into
orbital and palpebral lobes before attaching to the lateral retinaculum at the lateral orbital tubercle.
The aponeurosis fuses with the orbital septum prior to reaching the level of the superior tarsal plate
border. At the inferior edge of this fusion, some aponeurotic fibers descend to insert into the lower
third of the anterior surface of the tarsal plate. An anterior extension from this fusion inserts into the
pretarsal orbicularis oculi muscle and overlying skin, forming the upper lid skin crease.

Kakizaki proposed that the levator aponeurosis consists of 2 layers, anterior and posterior, which
also contain smooth muscle in their proximal parts. [6] The anterior layer ends in the junctional
region with the orbital septum and pulls the preaponeurotic pad of fat in conjunction with the orbital
septum and the submuscular fibroadipose tissue. The posterior layer is attached to the anterior
inferior one-third of the tarsal plate. It thus regulates the tension of the eyelid and the ordered
movement of the lid.

Müller muscle is smooth muscle innervated by the sympathetic nervous system. Fibers originate
from the undersurface of the levator in the region of the aponeurotic muscle junction, travel
inferiorly between the levator aponeurosis and conjunctiva, and insert into the superior margin of
the tarsus. With age, fatty infiltration may occur, giving the muscle a yellowish color.

Contrary to previous understanding, the Müller muscle may also be involved in thyroid eye
disease, by fibrosis and mast cell infiltration. The Müller muscle may function as a large, serial
muscle spindle. The stretching of the Müller muscle by the initial eye opening action of the levator
may initiate a reflex via the mesencephalic trigeminal nucleus, which subsequently is routed
through the ipsilateral or bilateral levator muscle, evoking involuntary tonic contraction to maintain
an adequate visual field.

The peripheral vascular arcade of the upper eyelid lies adherent to the lower border of the anterior
surface of the Müller muscle, just above the upper border of the tarsus, and is apparent during
blepharoptosis surgery as a plane of dissection is created between the levator aponeurosis and the
Müller muscle. The action is to widen the palpebral fissure with increased sympathetic tone. About
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2 mm of ptosis is observed in Horner syndrome. Sympathetically innervated smooth muscle fibers

are also noted in the lower eyelid and constitute the inferior tarsal muscle.

Lower lid retractors

The lower eyelid retractor is a fascial extension from the terminal muscle fibers and tendon of the
inferior rectus muscle, originating as the capsulopalpebral head. As it passes anteriorly from its
origin, it splits to envelop the inferior oblique muscle and reunites as the inferior transverse
ligament (Lockwood ligament). From there, the fascial tissue passes anterosuperiorly as the
capsulopalpebral fascia. The bulk of the capsulopalpebral fascia inserts on the inferior border of
the inferior tarsus. Fibers also pass forward, to unite with the Tenon capsule, and to the inferior
fornix conjunctiva, through orbital fat to the orbital septum, and forward to the subcutaneous
tissues forming the lower eyelid crease. The orbital septum fuses with the capsulopalpebral fascia
approximately 5 mm below the inferior tarsal border.

The inferior tarsal muscle (Müller muscle) lies just posterior to the fascia and is intimate with its
structure. The sympathetically innervated smooth muscle fibers are first noted near the origin of the
capsulopalpebral head. The capsulopalpebral head splits into 2 portions to pass around the inferior
oblique muscle sheath; the portion beneath the muscle is thin and devoid of smooth muscle, while
the portion above is a much thicker fascial layer and contains the smooth muscle fibers. As they
continue to pass forward, the smooth muscle fibers do not insert directly onto the inferior tarsal
border but into the fascia several millimeters below the tarsal border.

In the Asian lower lid, the line of fusion of the orbital septum to the capsulopalpebral fascia is often
higher, or indistinct, with anterior and superior orbital fat projection, and overriding of the preseptal
orbicularis oculi over the pretarsal orbicularis. [7]

Fat Pads
The orbital fat of the upper eyelid is divided into two components: the preaponeurotic (central) fat
pad and the medial fat pad. Upper eyelid preaponeurotic fat is found immediately posterior to the
orbital septum and anterior to the levator aponeurosis. A central fat pad and a medial fat pad are
described in the upper lid, while the lacrimal gland occupies the lateral compartment. The
preaponeurotic fat pad is continuous with the deeper orbital fat, whereas, medially, the reflected
tendon of the superior oblique and medial horn of the levator aponeurosis separate it from the
medial fat pad. [8] The medial fat pad is usually pale yellow or white and lies anterior to the levator
aponeurosis extending superomedial to the medial horn of the levator. The medial fat pad contains
many plural divisions: the medial superior fat pad and medial inferior fat pad, of which half are
delineated by delicate fibroareolar tissue. [8]

The central fat pad is yellow and broad. The central fat pad is recognized by its yellowish color due
to a higher level of carotenoids. [9] A portion of the lateral end of this pad surrounds the medial
aspect of the lacrimal gland. The lacrimal gland has a firm, pinkish, lobulated structure, in contrast
to the soft, yellow intraorbital fat. The lacrimal gland's anterior border is normally just behind the
orbital margin, but involutional changes may lead to prolapse anteroinferiorly, which is prominent
on external lid examination.

Three retroseptal fat pads are associated with the lower eyelid. The medial and central fat pads are
separated by the inferior oblique. However, an isthmus of fat generally lies anterior to the muscle
belly. The inferior oblique muscle takes a bony origin from a shallow depression on the
anteromedial orbital floor, directly posterior to the orbital margin and lateral to the nasolacrimal
canal.

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The inferior oblique muscle courses posterolaterally, passing inferior to the inferior rectus muscle,
penetrating the Tenon capsule, and inserting onto the globe near the macula. Its course makes it
susceptible to injury during surgical dissection of the surrounding fat pads.

The medial and lateral fat pads are separated by the arcuate expansion, a fascial band extending
from the capsulopalpebral fascia to the inferolateral orbital rim. Notably, the inferolateral orbital
septum inserts 2 mm outside the orbital rim, creating the recess of Eisner, allowing the lateral fat
pad to just spill over the orbital rim.

Conjunctiva
The conjunctiva is a smooth, translucent mucous membrane. Palpebral conjunctiva lines the
posterior surface of the lids as tarsal conjunctiva (from the mucocutaneous junction of the lid
margin to the tarsal plate border) and continues as orbital palpebral conjunctiva into the fornix.
Tarsal conjunctiva is adherent to the tarsus, while a submucosal lamina propria underlies orbital
palpebral conjunctiva and allows dissection from the vascular Müller muscle. At the depths of the
fornices, the conjunctiva reflects anteriorly onto the globe as bulbar conjunctiva.

Nerves
Sensory innervation of the eyelids is subserved by terminal branches of the ophthalmic (cranial
nerve [CN] V1) and maxillary (CN V2) divisions of the trigeminal nerve (CN V). Within the superior
orbit, the frontal branch of the ophthalmic division of the trigeminal nerve travels anteriorly between
the periorbita of the roof and the levator muscle. Midway along the roof, it divides into a larger
supraorbital nerve and a smaller supratrochlear nerve. Terminal branches of these nerves supply
sensation to the upper eyelid and forehead.

The supraorbital nerve exits the orbit through the supraorbital notch or supraorbital foramen. It
subserves sensation to the upper eyelid and forehead skin, except for a midline vertical strip, which
is supplied by the supratrochlear nerve. The supratrochlear nerve exits the orbit just lateral to the
bony origin of the corrugator supercilii muscle, enters this muscle, and divides into its terminal
sensory branches.

The infratrochlear nerve, a terminal branch of the nasociliary nerve (CN V1), supplies the skin and
conjunctiva of the medial canthus, the most medial aspect of the eyelids, and the nasolacrimal sac.
The sensory supply of the remaining lower eyelid is provided by the infraorbital nerve (CN V2) and
the zygomaticofacial nerve (CN V2). The zygomaticofacial nerve supplies skin to the lateral lower
eyelid, while the palpebral branch of the infraorbital nerve supplies the central lower eyelid skin and
conjunctiva.

Branches of the facial nerve innervate the muscles of facial expression. The frontal and zygomatic
branches of CN VII innervate the orbicularis oculi muscle; the frontal branch of CN VII innervates
the forehead muscles.

The orbicularis oculi is innervated by multiple motor branches from the branches of CN VII; in the
lower eyelid, they enter the inferior edge of the orbicularis oculi, with branches lateral and medial to
the lateral limbus, and there is no single dominant branch for the supply. Thus, in resection of the
orbicularis oculi in lower lid surgery, preserving the pretarsal portion alone may not sufficiently
support the lower lid. Conversely, if one single branch is injured, the adjacent branches are able to
reinnervate the muscle by sprouting. [10]

The levator palpebra superioris is innervated by the superior branch of the oculomotor nerve,
entering the muscle from its inferior surface in its posterior third. Müller muscle (and the inferior
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tarsal muscle) requires sympathetic innervation. Postganglionic sympathetic fibers arise from the
superior cervical ganglion and travel superiorly in the neck as a plexus with the internal carotid
artery. The fibers take an intracranial course to the cavernous sinus, where they travel through the
superior orbital fissure into the orbit via CN branches.

Within the orbit, the exact pathways for sympathetic innervation of the superior and inferior tarsal
muscles is unknown, but some evidence suggests that sympathetic fibers travel with the
extraocular muscle motor nerves before termination on the target muscles.

Vessels and Lymphatics

The internal and external carotid arteries contribute to lid arterial supply. The internal carotid
arterial supply is from the terminal branches of the ophthalmic artery medially (giving supraorbital,
supratrochlear, and dorsal nasal branches) and the lacrimal artery laterally.

In the medial upper eyelid, 2 medial palpebral arteries arise from the ophthalmic artery as the
superior and inferior marginal vessels and pass laterally—one to supply the upper lid and one to
supply the lower lid. The inferior marginal vessel is actually a branch of the superior marginal
vessel and passes deep to the MCT and canaliculi for about 10 mm before passing into the lower
eyelid proper. These marginal vessels pass horizontally as marginal arcades.

The marginal arcades lie on the anterior tarsal surface approximately 4 mm and 2 mm from the
upper and lower eyelid margin, respectively. In the upper lid, a peripheral arcade arises from the
marginal arcade and lies on the anterior surface of the Müller muscle, just above the superior tarsal
border, where it is susceptible to injury during blepharoptosis surgery. In the lower lid, no (or only a
rudimentary) peripheral arcade exists.

Laterally, the lacrimal artery pierces the orbital septum to give 2 lateral palpebral arteries. They
pass medially, one to the upper eyelid and one to the lower eyelid, and anastomose with the
marginal arcades.

The external carotid artery contributes via branches of the facial artery, the superficial temporal
artery, and the infraorbital artery. The facial artery provides the angular artery, which passes to the
medial canthal region, anastomosing with the dorsal nasal artery. The superficial temporal artery
supplies eyelid anastomoses via the transverse facial and zygomatic branches. The infraorbital
artery exits the infraorbital foramen as a terminal branch of the maxillary artery, anastomosing with
vessels of the lower eyelid.

Lymphatic drainage
The eyelids and conjunctiva have a rich lymphatic drainage. The drainage of most of the upper lid
and the lateral half of the lower lid is to the preauricular lymph nodes. The medial portion of the
upper lid and the medial half of the lower lid drain into the submandibular nodes by way of vessels
that follow the angular and facial vessels.

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