title: Orbital trauma.
abstract: The orbit is designed to protect and nurture the eyeball. The seven bones of the orbit enclose a pear-shaped cavity. The bones of the superior and lateral orbit are extremely strong, as opposed to the bones of the inferior and medial orbit, which are extremely weak. The strengths and weaknesses inherent to the orbital bones produce a unique pressure safety valve, designed to protect the eyeball.
authors.affiliation: Alabama Ophthalmology Associates, 1000 19th Street South, Birmingham, AL 35233, USA. eyeliddoc@minspring.com
authors.forename: John
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Long
authors.forename: Thomas
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Tann
mesh_terms: D005131:Eye Injuries / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D009915:Orbit / Q000293:injuries*; D009917:Orbital Fractures / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology* / Q000601:surgery