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Inferior Orbital Fissure — MFDS Part 1 MCQ

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HardAnatomy (Head & Neck)Inferior Orbital FissureMFDS Part 1

Which set consists entirely of structures that pass through the inferior orbital fissure?

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Reveal the answer and explanation

Correct answer: DInfraorbital nerve and vessels, together with the zygomatic nerve

Explanation lettering: D = shown as A · A = shown as D

A is correct. The inferior orbital fissure lies in the posterior orbital floor and communicates with the pterygopalatine and infratemporal fossae. It transmits the infraorbital nerve and vessels and the zygomatic nerve; a communicating branch of the inferior ophthalmic vein may also traverse it. The optic nerve and ophthalmic artery pass through the optic canal (B). Cranial nerves III, IV and VI and branches of V1 pass through the superior orbital fissure (C). The maxillary nerve enters the pterygopalatine fossa through the foramen rotundum (D), whereas the mandibular nerve and accessory meningeal artery pass through the foramen ovale (E).

Reference: Shumway CL, Motlagh M, Wade M. Anatomy, Head and Neck, Orbit Bones, section 'Orbital Foramina, Fissures, and Ducts'. Updated 24 July 2023; StatPearls 2026 edition. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32491535/