Palpebral Commissure in the Body

Description

Seen in three-quarter profile, the palpebral fissure is bounded by the superior and inferior palpebrae as they meet at the palpebral commissures (canthi), forming the medial canthus near the lacrimal lake and the lateral canthus at the temporal orbital rim. The upper eyelid lies superior and slightly anterior to the globe, overlapping the superior limbus in neutral gaze, while the lower eyelid sits inferior to the cornea with a shallow pretarsal skin fold. Medially, the lacrimal caruncle and plica semilunaris occupy the inner canthal angle, and laterally the lid margins converge toward the lateral palpebral raphe with eyelashes projecting anteriorly from the gray line. A key external landmark. For oculoplastics and ophthalmology teaching, the commissures matter because they mark the transition from tarsal plate to canthal tendon, defining lid tension, lid apposition, and the direction of tear flow toward the puncta at the medial lid margins. Lateral canthotomy and inferior cantholysis are performed at the lateral canthus to decompress acute orbital compartment syndrome, and surgeons reference the canthal angle when planning blepharoplasty, canthopexy, or repair of eyelid lacerations to avoid postoperative rounding, ectropion, or malposition. Skin tone and periocular anatomy also influence the visibility of lid creases and scar camouflage, a practical consideration in clinical illustration. Use this artwork in head and neck anatomy modules, ophthalmic surface anatomy labs, and medical publisher figures discussing canthal tendons, eyelid trauma patterns, or external landmarks for emergency decompression. It also fits patient-facing materials on blepharoplasty or canthoplasty where accurate depiction of the canthus in a Black female subject supports inclusive education. Anatomical accuracy verified by SciePro's Medical Advisory Board.