Upper Eyelid

Description

Superior palpebra (upper eyelid) anatomy is presented in relation to the anterior globe, with the free lid margin positioned inferior to the eyebrow and superior to the palpebral fissure. Deep to the skin and orbicularis oculi, the superior tarsal plate forms a dense, rectangular support along the distal lid, terminating at the lid margin where the eyelashes emerge. Posteriorly, palpebral conjunctiva reflects over the superior tarsus toward the superior fornix, while the levator palpebrae superioris aponeurosis and Müller muscle (superior tarsal muscle) insert onto the anterior surface and superior border of the tarsal plate, respectively. Medially and laterally, the canthal tendons anchor the lid to the orbital rim. Clinically, the tarsal plate and its glandular content (meibomian glands) explain common lid pathology: chalazion from meibomian obstruction within the tarsus and hordeolum from infection near the lash line. Lid elevation depends on levator and Müller contributions, a distinction that matters when evaluating ptosis from oculomotor nerve palsy versus Horner syndrome, where sympathetic denervation reduces Müller tone. Surgical planning often follows these same planes; blepharoplasty, ptosis repair, and eyelid laceration closure hinge on preserving tarsal integrity and maintaining the lid margin architecture. Small structures, big consequences. Use this artwork for gross anatomy and ophthalmic anatomy teaching, oculoplastics and emergency medicine references on eyelid trauma, and publisher-ready figures illustrating tarsal plate relationships in blepharitis, meibomian gland dysfunction, and ptosis. Anatomical accuracy verified by SciePro's Medical Advisory Board.