Canthus (anatomy) 1721029 144719636 2007-07-15T02:46:26Z Arcadian 104523 infobox {{Infobox Anatomy | Name = {{PAGENAME}} | Latin = | GraySubject = | GrayPage = | Image = Gray892.png | Caption = Front of left [[eye]] with [[eyelids]] separated to show medial [[canthus]]. | Image2 = | Caption2 = | Precursor = | System = | Artery = | Vein = | Nerve = | Lymph = | MeshName = | MeshNumber = | DorlandsPre = c_05 | DorlandsSuf = 12210029 | }} '''Canthus''' (pl. '''canthi''', '''palpebral commissures''') is either corner of the [[eye]] where the upper and lower [[eyelid]]s meet. The '''bicanthal plane''' is the [[transversal plane]] linking both canthi and defines the upper boundary of the [[midface]]. ==Commissures== * The ''lateral palpebral commissure'' (commissura palpebrarum lateralis; external canthus) is more acute than the medial, and the eyelids here lie in close contact with the bulb of the eye. * The ''medial palpebral commissure'' (commissura palpebrarum medialis; internal canthus) is prolonged for a short distance toward the [[nose]], and the two eyelids are separated by a triangular space, the lacus lacrimalis. ==Surgery== Canthoplasty refers to a plastic surgery of the medial and/or lateral canthus. A [[canthotomy]] involves cutting the canthus, often performed to release excessive orbital pressure (i.e., from orbital hemorrhage or infection). ==Pathology== "Dystopia canthorum" is associated with [[Waardenburg syndrome]]. ==See also== *[[Epicanthal fold]] ==External links== * [http://www.sheinman.com/Aanatomyp1.htm Diagram at sheinman.com] * [http://www.solobambini.com/measure_canthus.html Diagram at solobambini.com] (measure of [[Pupillary distance]]) {{eye-stub}} {{Accessory organs of the eye}} [[Category:Eye]]