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Topic

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Superciliary arch

The superciliary arch is a curved bony prominence of the frontal bone located superior to the orbit and above the supraorbital margin. It corresponds externally to the eyebrow region and internally to thickened frontal bone overlying the frontal sinus and anterior cranial fossa.

The prominence of the superciliary arch varies with age, sex, and individual craniofacial morphology and is an important surface landmark in anatomy, anthropology, radiology, and craniofacial surgery.

Synonyms

  • Brow ridge

  • Supraorbital ridge

Location

  • Located on the frontal bone above the supraorbital margin

  • Extends laterally from the glabella toward the lateral orbital rim

  • Forms the bony foundation of the eyebrow

  • Inferior to the frontal squama

  • Anterior to the frontal lobes

  • Superficial to the frontal sinus (when present)

Anatomical components

  • Frontal bone (squamous part)

  • Supraorbital margin (inferior boundary)

  • Supraorbital notch or foramen (often within or near the arch)

  • Overlying soft tissues:

    • Skin

    • Subcutaneous tissue

    • Orbicularis oculi muscle

    • Frontalis muscle

Relations

Superiorly:

  • Frontal squama

Inferiorly:

  • Supraorbital margin

  • Roof of the orbit

Anteriorly:

  • Eyebrow and forehead soft tissues

Posteriorly:

  • Frontal sinus (if pneumatized)

  • Anterior cranial fossa

Medially:

  • Glabella

Laterally:

  • Lateral orbital rim and zygomatic process of the frontal bone

Associated structures

  • Supraorbital nerve and vessels (passing through notch or foramen)

  • Frontal sinus (variable development)

  • Frontalis and orbicularis oculi muscles

X-ray appearance

Skull radiographs (AP / lateral views):

  • Superciliary arch: Smooth bony prominence above the orbits

  • Symmetry: Usually bilateral and symmetric

  • Density: Cortical bone density similar to frontal bone

  • Frontal sinus: May be visible posterior to the arch as radiolucent cavities

CT appearance

Non-contrast CT:

  • Superciliary arch: Thickened cortical bone forming a curved ridge

  • Internal table: Smooth contour

  • Frontal sinus relation: Clear delineation if present

  • Supraorbital notch/foramen: May be identified along the inferior aspect

Post-contrast CT:

  • Bone: No enhancement

  • Adjacent soft tissues and vessels: Expected enhancement patterns

3D CT VRT appearance

Volume-rendered technique (VRT):

  • Arch contour: Prominent curved ridge above the orbits

  • Surface anatomy: Clearly demonstrates brow prominence and symmetry

  • Sexual dimorphism: Typically more pronounced in males

  • Utility: Excellent for craniofacial assessment and surgical planning

MRI appearance

T1-weighted images:

  • Cortical bone: Low signal intensity

  • Diploic marrow: Intermediate to high signal (age dependent)

  • Overlying subcutaneous fat: High signal

T2-weighted images:

  • Bone cortex: Low signal

  • Adjacent orbital fat: High signal

CT VRT 3D image

CT Superciliary arch

X-Ray image

X ray Superciliary arch