Basics of Orbit for Ophthalmology Board Exams

Abstract

Understanding the orbit, its content, relations to surrounding structures, and connections to the brain is important for solving the two to three orbit-related questions and for a deeper understanding of the coming chapters, including cranial nerves and ocular muscles. One of the commonly asked topics in orbit is its walls, where the bones comprising the medial wall are the highest yield. It is also important to be peculiar here, as some relations might be confusing, where the sphenoid bone contributes to the medial wall through its body, to the superior wall through its lesser wing, and to the lateral wall through its greater wing.

This chapter will begin by introducing orbital dimensions and constituents, including orbital walls and margins, with supplemental figures to help memorize these constituents. It will then detail orbital relations and connections, with emphasis on commonly asked about details. After that, the topic of the orbital septum and its relation, and finally, a brief about the most common orbital pathologies.