title: Anatomy of the orbit.
abstract: The normal orbit arguably contains the most complex anatomy of the human body. The orbit's small size, complex anatomy, and elaborate function make it a diagnostic challenge to evaluate. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT) are essential studies for visualization of most normal and abnormal orbital structures. These studies also can help to understand some of the functional anatomical relationships within the orbit. This article attempts to review and illustrate the normal anatomical structures that can be identified on CT and MR images. These structures include the bony orbit, globe and optic nerve, extraocular muscles, lid retractor system, fibrous tissue framework, vascular system, neural structures, and lacrimal system.
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiology, University of Wisconsin Medical School-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin 53792, USA.
authors.forename: L R
authors.initials: LR
authors.lastname: Gentry
mesh_terms: D005123:Eye / Q000033:anatomy & histology* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D009915:Orbit / Q000033:anatomy & histology* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed