Surgical anatomy of the levator palpebrae insertion.

THE text-book description of the anatomy of the upper eyelid with particular reference to the septum orbitale (palpebral fascia) and especially the insertion of the levator muscle is unnecessarily vague or complicated from the surgical point of view. Thus the septum orbitale is described by some authors as arising from the orbital margin and ending where it blends with the aponeurosis of the levator. Most, however, describe it as extending almost to the lower edge of the tarsal plate with which it blends. It has also been noted as having an attachment to the upper border of the tarsal plate. The insertion of the levator is described as splitting into three laminae which have the following attachments: (1) Skin. (2a) Lower part of anterior surface of tarsal plate. (2b) Osseous.