Lateral Palpebral Commissure, Lateral View

Description

Along the lateral eyelid margin, the superior and inferior palpebrae meet at the lateral palpebral commissure (lateral canthus), where the gray line, cilia, and mucocutaneous junction converge into a sharp angle on the temporal side of the palpebral fissure. Deep to the skin lie the orbicularis oculi fibers overlying the lateral ends of the tarsal plates, which anchor via the lateral canthal tendon (lateral palpebral ligament) to the lateral orbital rim near Whitnall tubercle on the zygomatic bone. The conjunctival fornix reflects posterior to the lid margin, while the lacrimal gland occupies the superolateral orbit, superior and slightly posterior to the commissure. Lateral canthal anatomy determines eyelid position, blink mechanics, and tear distribution, and it is the key reference point for judging canthal tilt and lower lid support in the female periocular region. Small changes in lateral canthal tendon laxity or scarring shift the lower lid inferiorly and laterally, predisposing to ectropion, exposure keratopathy, and chronic irritation after lower blepharoplasty or trauma. Emergency lateral canthotomy and inferior cantholysis for orbital compartment syndrome depend on understanding where the tendon inserts and which limb to release without injuring the globe. Landmarks matter here. Editors and educators can place this lateral view into oculoplastics teaching files, anatomy and surface anatomy courses, and surgical atlases covering canthopexy, canthoplasty, and eyelid reconstruction. It also fits patient-facing diagrams that explain lateral canthal tightening, post-traumatic lid malposition, or facial nerve palsy related lid laxity, while keeping terminology aligned with Terminologia Anatomica. Anatomical accuracy verified by SciePro's Medical Advisory Board.