Infraorbital Region, Lateral View

Description

Seen from a lateral profile, the infraorbital region spans the inferior orbital rim of the maxilla to the superior cheek over the zygomatic bone, with the lower eyelid and palpebral fissure lying superior to the malar eminence. Just inferior to the orbital margin, the expected surface projection of the infraorbital foramen sits on the anterior maxilla, medial to the zygomaticomaxillary junction and lateral to the nasolabial fold. Soft tissue contours include the tear trough (nasojugal groove) running inferomedially from the medial canthus region, and the gradual transition into the midface over the levator labii superioris and zygomaticus origin zone. Profile relationships matter. This lateral view matters because clinicians often localize sensory territory and surface landmarks in profile when planning periorbital anesthesia, trauma assessment, or aesthetic procedures. The infraorbital nerve, a terminal branch of V2, exits at the infraorbital foramen and supplies the lower eyelid, lateral nose, and upper lip, so an infraorbital nerve block targets the foramen while avoiding the infraorbital artery and vein that accompany it. Midface fractures frequently involve the infraorbital rim and zygomaticomaxillary complex, and postoperative numbness in the V2 distribution is a common teaching point when correlating bony disruption to neuropraxia. Use this asset in head and neck anatomy teaching for medical, dental, and PA curricula when explaining facial surface anatomy, trigeminal sensory maps, and orbital rim landmarks, or in surgical and emergency medicine publications discussing zygomaticomaxillary complex fractures, infraorbital rim approaches, and nerve block technique. It also suits dermatology and facial plastics education where tear trough deformity, malar edema, and filler plane selection are discussed using clean lateral facial topography. Anatomical accuracy verified by SciePro's Medical Advisory Board.