Supra-orbital artery

At a glance

English

Supra-orbital artery

Latin (TA2)

Arteria supraorbitalis

System

Artery

Region

Head

Side

Paired, left and right

About the supra-orbital artery

The supra-orbital artery arises from the ophthalmic artery as that vessel crosses the optic nerve within the orbit. It runs forwards and upwards, passing medial to superior rectus and levator palpebrae superioris, and then forwards between levator palpebrae superioris and the periosteum of the orbital roof, in company with the supra-orbital nerve.

At the upper margin of the orbit it passes through the supra-orbital notch or foramen with the nerve and turns upwards onto the forehead. There it divides into superficial and deep branches that run up beneath and through frontalis to supply the muscles and skin of the forehead and the front of the scalp. Before leaving the orbit it gives small branches to levator palpebrae superioris and to the upper eyelid, and in some people a branch to the diploe of the frontal bone and the frontal sinus.

On the forehead the supra-orbital artery anastomoses with the supratrochlear artery medially and with the frontal branch of the superficial temporal artery laterally. These connections link the internal and external carotid systems, and they can carry collateral flow into the orbit when the internal carotid artery is narrowed. The vessel is one of the arteries considered in forehead flaps for facial reconstruction, and it is at risk from filler injections in the upper face, where material can enter the ophthalmic system and block the retinal circulation.

Course and supply

Arises from

The ophthalmic artery, as it crosses the optic nerve in the orbit.

Ends in

Ends in branches over the forehead and front of the scalp, anastomosing with the supratrochlear and superficial temporal arteries.

Supplies

Supplies levator palpebrae superioris, the upper eyelid, and the muscles and skin of the forehead and anterior scalp.