The supraorbital foramen (also known as the brow ridge or supraorbital ridge) is a bony elongated path located above the eye socket and under the forehead. It is also commonly known as a brow ridge. The supraorbital foramen lies directly under the eyebrow.

Anthropology

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In modern humans, the brow ridge is a slight protrusion above the eye socket. In Neanderthals and Homo erectus, the brow ridge is much more prominent than in modern Homo sapiens.

There have been several hypotheses for the function of the brow ridge. The brow ridge is present in many primates, including chimpanzees and gorillas. The supraorbital may serve to lessen stress on the lower forehead when chewing. Also, the brow ridge could also serve as protection from injury. ^*

Anatomy

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The Supraorbital foramen arches transversely below the superciliary arches and is the upper part of the margin of the orbit, thin and prominent in its lateral two-thirds, rounded in its medial third, and presenting, at the junction of these two portions, the supraorbital notch or foramen for the supraorbital nerve and vessels.

See also

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• Foramina of skull
• frontal bone

External links

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• (from a distance)
• (close up)
• Diagram/Upstate
• ^*