Illustrated Anatomy of the Head and Neck - Surface Anatomy

Surface anatomy

The study of the structural relationships of the external features of the body to the internal organs and parts.

Frontal region

The region of the head that includes the forehead and the area superior to the eyes, defined by the deeper skull bone.

Supraorbital ridge (superciliary ridge)

The prominence located directly inferior to each eyebrow.

Glabella

The smooth elevated area between the eyebrows.

Frontal eminence

The prominence of the forehead evident within the frontal region.

Orbital hematoma

A bruise that commonly occurs following injury to the scalp because fluid can descend into the orbits where the orbicularis oculi muscle attaches to the skin.

Temple

The superficial side of the head posterior to each eye within the temporal region, defined by the deeper skull bone.

Auricle

The oval flap of the external ear located in the auricular region.

External acoustic meatus (EAM)

The centrally located canal of the external ear.

Helix

The superior and posterior free margin of the auricle of the ear.

Lobule

The fleshy protuberance of the earlobe where the helix ends inferiorly.

Tragus

The smaller flap of tissue of the auricle located anterior to the external acoustic meatus.

Antitragus

The flap of tissue of the auricle located opposite the tragus.

Intertragic notch

The deep notch situated between the tragus and the antitragus.

Orbit

The bony socket that contains the eyeball and all its supporting structures.

Sclera

The white area on the surface of the eyeball.

Iris

The circular, centrally located colored area on the eyeball.

Pupil

The opening located in the center of the iris that appears black.

Lacrimal glands

Glands located behind each upper eyelid and deep within the orbit that produce lacrimal fluid or tears.

Conjunctiva

The delicate and thin membrane lining the inside of the eyelids and the front of the eyeball.

Conjunctivitis

Inflammation of the conjunctiva, also called pink eye, commonly caused by an allergic reaction or a bacterial or viral infection.

Lateral canthus

The outer corner where the upper and lower eyelids meet.

Medial canthus

The inner angle of the eye where the upper and lower eyelids meet.

Lens

A transparent, biconvex structure in the eye that helps refract light onto the retina and changes shape to alter focal distance.

Cataract

A clouding that develops in the crystalline lens of the eye or its envelope, obstructing the passage of light.

Nasion

A midpoint landmark inferior to the glabella that corresponds with the junction between the underlying nasal bones.

Apex of the nose

The tip of the external nose.

Naris

A nostril located inferior to the apex on each side of the nose.

Nasal septum

The midline partition separating the nares, formed by skull bones and adjoining septal cartilage.

Ala

The winglike cartilaginous structure bordering each naris laterally.

Infraorbital