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Inferior tarsus

The inferior tarsus, also known as the inferior tarsal plate, is a dense connective tissue structure within the lower eyelid. It provides form, rigidity, and support to the eyelid, serving as the attachment site for several important muscles and ligaments. Its structural integrity is crucial for normal eyelid function and ocular surface protection.

Synonyms

  • Inferior tarsal plate

  • Lower tarsal plate

  • Inferior palpebral tarsus

  • Lower eyelid tarsus

Function

  • Provides structural support and rigidity to the lower eyelid

  • Maintains eyelid shape and contour

  • Serves as an attachment for the lower eyelid retractors (inferior tarsal muscle and capsulopalpebral fascia)

  • Supports and anchors the eyelashes and associated glands (meibomian glands)

  • Contributes to proper eyelid closure and blinking

  • Protects the ocular surface by maintaining eyelid position

MRI Appearance
T2-weighted:

  • Appears as a thin, low signal (hypointense) linear structure paralleling the lower eyelid margin

  • Surrounded by hyperintense orbital fat and soft tissues

  • Meibomian glands may show variable signal depending on content (usually intermediate)

T1-weighted:

  • Low signal intensity (hypointense) relative to orbital fat

  • Clearly delineated from adjacent high-signal fat

  • The tarsal plate is best visualized as a linear band along the posterior lower eyelid

STIR (Short Tau Inversion Recovery):

  • Marked suppression of surrounding fat signal, tarsus remains low signal (hypointense)

  • May enhance visibility of tarsal plate against suppressed background

  • Useful for detecting pathology or edema involving the eyelid tissues

CT Appearance

  • The inferior tarsus appears as a thin, slightly hyperdense linear structure within the lower eyelid

  • Visualized as a soft tissue density posterior to the subcutaneous tissues and anterior to the conjunctiva

MRI images

Inferior tarsus mri image