Palpebral Commissure Structure

Description

Centered on the anterior face, the palpebral fissure is framed by the superior and inferior eyelids as they converge at the medial and lateral palpebral commissures (canthi). At the medial canthus, the eyelid margins meet just lateral to the lacrimal caruncle and plica semilunaris, with the upper and lower lacrimal puncta positioned near the lid margin before turning medially. Laterally, the eyelid angle forms a sharper commissure where the lid margins unite over the lateral orbital rim, corresponding to the attachment of the lateral canthal tendon to the zygomatic bone region. Skin creases and the contour of the orbital aperture are rendered for a black female subject to support accurate surface anatomy. Attention to the commissures matters because canthal position and tendon integrity determine eyelid apposition to the globe and tear drainage efficiency. Traumatic eyelid lacerations that cross the medial canthus can disrupt the canaliculi and medial canthal tendon, a repair problem that differs from lateral canthal injuries and is often underappreciated until postoperative epiphora appears. Lateral canthotomy and cantholysis for orbital compartment syndrome also depend on recognizing the lateral palpebral commissure and its relationship to the lateral canthal tendon. Small landmarks, big consequences. Use this artwork in ophthalmology and facial anatomy teaching when you need a clean anterior reference for eyelid margins, canthus geometry, and palpebral commissure terminology aligned with Terminologia Anatomica. It also fits oculoplastic and emergency medicine publications covering canthopexy, blepharoplasty planning, and eyelid trauma documentation across diverse skin tones. Anatomical accuracy verified by SciePro's Medical Advisory Board.