The palpebral raphe, also known as the lateral palpebral raphe (raphe palpebrale laterale), is a fibrous band that connects the lateral ends of the upper and lower eyelids.
Details of the Palpebral Raphe
The palpebral raphe serves as an important structural component of the eyelids, contributing to their shape and stability. Here's a more detailed description:
- Attachment: It is attached to the margin of the frontosphenoidal process of the zygomatic bone.
- Course: It extends medially toward the lateral commissure (outer corner) of the eyelids.
- Division: At the lateral commissure, the raphe divides into two slips.
- Insertion: These slips attach to the margins of the tarsal plates (tarsi) of the upper and lower eyelids. The tarsal plates provide structure and support to the eyelids.
In essence, the palpebral raphe anchors the outer aspect of the eyelids to the bony orbit, providing a firm attachment point and influencing eyelid tension.
