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Topic

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Superior tarsus

The superior tarsus, also known as the superior tarsal plate, is a dense connective tissue structure located within the upper eyelid. It provides crucial structural support, maintains eyelid contour, and anchors muscles responsible for eyelid movement. The superior tarsus is essential in eyelid function and is a key landmark in both clinical assessment and imaging studies.

Synonyms

  • Superior tarsal plate

  • Tarsal plate of the upper eyelid

  • Tarsus superior

  • Upper tarsal plate

Function

  • Provides structural rigidity and shape to the upper eyelid

  • Serves as an attachment site for the levator palpebrae superioris and Müller’s muscle

  • Helps maintain eyelid position and proper closure

  • Plays a role in protecting the ocular surface by ensuring appropriate eyelid movement

MRI Appearance

  • T1-Weighted Images:

    • The superior tarsus typically appears as a low to intermediate signal intensity structure.

    • It is distinguishable from the surrounding higher signal intensity of orbital fat.

  • T2-Weighted Images:

    • Appears as a low signal intensity band due to its dense collagenous content.

    • Clearly demarcated from adjacent tissues, especially the preseptal fat and orbicularis oculi muscle.

  • STIR (Short Tau Inversion Recovery):

    • The superior tarsus shows a low signal (dark) appearance, with increased contrast from the adjacent hyperintense (bright) fat and edematous tissues, if present.

CT Appearance

  • Appears as a thin, dense, and well-defined linear structure within the upper eyelid

  • Demonstrates higher attenuation compared to the surrounding soft tissue and orbital fat

MRI images

Superior tarsus mri image