The architecture of the musculo-fibrous apparatus in the human orbit.

Combining the thick serial (60 mu) histological section technique with the 0.5 cm cleared section technique, a definite structural organization in orbital connective tissue and adipose tissue components lying in between, is revealed. Additionally, an interindividual uniformity and bilateral symmetry in the human orbital connective tissue structures was found. Finally, using the reconstruction technique it became clear that each eye muscle has its own connective tissue system in the orbit and that its architecture highly differs dependent on, which orbital area is approached. It is conceivable that in future the spatial architecture of the musculo-fibrous apparatus in the human orbit might prove to be of importance for clinical diagnosis and surgical approach.