Anatomy and Cell Biology

Korean Association of Anatomists (대한해부학회)
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A novel histologic description of the fibrous networks in the lid-cheek junction and infraorbital region

  • Sang-Hee Lee (Division in Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Department of Oral Biology, Human Identification Research Institute, BK21 FOUR Project, Yonsei University College of Dentistry) ;
  • Kyu-Ho Yi (Division in Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Department of Oral Biology, Human Identification Research Institute, BK21 FOUR Project, Yonsei University College of Dentistry) ;
  • Jung-Hee Bae (Yonsei Severance Dental Clinic) ;
  • You-Jin Choi (Department of Anatomy, College of Medicine, Konkuk University) ;
  • Young-Chun Gil (Department of Anatomy, Chungbuk National University) ;
  • Kyung-Seok Hu (Division in Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Department of Oral Biology, Human Identification Research Institute, BK21 FOUR Project, Yonsei University College of Dentistry) ;
  • Eqram Rahman (Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Royal Free Hospital) ;
  • Hee-Jin Kim (Division in Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Department of Oral Biology, Human Identification Research Institute, BK21 FOUR Project, Yonsei University College of Dentistry)
  • Received : 2023.11.09
  • Accepted : 2023.11.23
  • Published : 2024.03.31
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Abstract

The aim of this study was to identify the anatomical feature of retaining ligament and fat compartment on the lower eyelid and infraorbital region using a histological method, and to investigate clear definitions for them which could be used generally in the clinical area. Eighteen specimens from eight fresh Korean cadavers were stained with Masson trichrome or hematoxylin and eosin. The ligamentous and fascial fibrous tissue were clearly identified. The ligamentous fibrous tissue which traversed in the superficial and deep fat layer was skin ligament and orbicularis retaining ligament (ORL). The fascial fibrous tissue enclosed the orbicularis oculi muscle (OOc) and circumferencial adipose tissue. Based on the ligamentous and fascial structure, three fat compartments, septal, suborbicularis oculi and infraorbital fat compartment, could be identified. The OOc attached to orbital rim and dermis by ORL and skin ligament, and the muscle fascicle and fat fascicle provided the connection point to the ORL and skin ligament as enclosing all muscle and fat tissue. The combination of the force made by the skin ligament in the lower eyelid and ORL may decide the level and form of the infraorbital grooves.

Keywords

Acknowledgement

I thank Hwi Eun Hur from Davidson College for editing the paper. The authors sincerely thank those who donated their bodies to science so that anatomical research could be performed. Results from such research can potentially increase mankind's overall knowledge that can then improve patient care. Therefore, these donors and their families deserve our highest gratitude.

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