Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
In the context of anatomy and physiology, the orbit is a bony cavity in the skull that houses the eyeball and its associated structures. It is surrounded by several bones including the frontal, sphenoid, zygomatic, and maxilla.
Related terms
Eyeball: The organ of vision that resides within the orbit, responsible for receiving light and transmitting visual information to the brain.
Optic nerve: A crucial nerve that connects the eyeball to the brain, transmitting visual information for processing.
Lacrimal gland: A gland located in the upper outer region of the orbit responsible for producing tears to lubricate and protect the eyeball