Several bones contribute to forming the bony socket, or orbit, that houses the eye. The bones present that make up the eye socket include the frontal, sphenoid, maxillary, zygomatic, palatine, ethmoid, and lacrimal bones.
These bones work together to create a protective cavity for the eyeball and its associated muscles, nerves, and blood vessels. Each bone contributes to a specific part of the orbit:
- Frontal bone: Forms the superior (upper) part of the orbit.
- Sphenoid bone: Located at the back of the orbit and contributes to the posterior and lateral walls.
- Maxillary bone: Forms the inferior (lower) part of the orbit.
- Zygomatic bone: Forms the lateral wall and contributes to the inferior orbital rim.
- Palatine bone: Contributes to a small part of the posterior orbit.
- Ethmoid bone: Forms part of the medial (inner) wall of the orbit.
- Lacrimal bone: A small bone located on the medial wall of the orbit; it contains the lacrimal groove, which helps form the nasolacrimal canal (tear duct).
In summary, while no single bone is the eye, these seven bones are present and essential in forming the protective bony socket that contains the eye.
