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Superciliary Arch

arcus superciliaris

The superciliary arches are the curved bony ridges on the frontal bone just above each eye socket, lying above the supraorbital margins and below the forehead. They are joined in the midline by the smooth glabella. They are usually more prominent in men and partly overlie the frontal sinuses.

Anatomical Data

Structure & Landmarks

Articulations	No joint; part of the frontal bone
Landmarks	Above the supraorbital margin on each side Joined medially by the glabella Origin of the corrugator supercilii near the medial end Overlies part of the frontal sinus
Ossification	Part of the frontal bone, which ossifies in membrane; the ridges become more prominent after puberty, especially in males, as the frontal sinuses enlarge.

Clinical Relevance

Clinical Notes

The brow ridge is a common site of skin splitting in contact sports and falls, because the skin is pressed against the hard bone beneath (the classic boxer's cut). Prominence of the superciliary arches is one of the features used to estimate sex from a skull in forensic and archaeological work. Marked frontal bossing with prominent brow ridges can be seen in acromegaly.

Pathology

Common Injuries & Conditions

Brow Laceration

A split in the skin over the brow ridge from a blow or fall, common in boxing and other contact sports; it bleeds freely but usually heals well after closure.

Frontal Sinus Anterior Wall Fracture

A strong blow to the brow can fracture the bone over the frontal sinus, producing a dent in the forehead contour.

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