New insights in the human orbital connective tissue. Result of a new anatomical approach
L. Koornneef
Exenteration and dissection of the collapsed specimen has so far been
standard procedure in the anatomic study of the orbital contents. If, as in
surgery, the orbit is approached through the palpebral aperture and its
connective tissue is kept extended in the framework of the oribital walls,
hitherto unrecognized septa of connective tissue are found, containing
vessels, nerves, and smooth muscular tissue. No anatomic evidence was found
for the existence of a common muscle sheath behind the globe, subdividing
the orbit into central and peripheral surgical spaces. The study of serial
sections of complete orbits shows a definite structural organization and
constant pattern of this connective tissue system. The relations of the eye
muscles and the eyeball with these connective tissue structures, the
periorbit and the enclosed fat cushions, are of interest with reference to
normal motions of the globe.
