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Intermediate Technical IVT

Tenon's capsule

Pronunciation: TEE-nons capsule

Fibrous membrane surrounding the eyeball, important surgical landmark in orbital tumor procedures.

Full Definition

Tenon's capsule is a thin fibrous membrane that envelops the eyeball from the optic nerve to the limbus, forming a socket in which the eye moves. In ocular oncology, Tenon's capsule serves as a crucial anatomical landmark during surgical procedures such as enucleation, orbital tumor excision, and plaque placement. The capsule helps define surgical planes and provides a barrier that may limit tumor spread. During enucleation, careful preservation of Tenon's capsule is important for optimal prosthetic fitting and motility. Understanding this anatomy is essential for orbital surgeons managing ocular and orbital tumors.

Usage

Usage note: Named after Jacques René Tenon; important surgical anatomy landmark.

In Context

  • "The surgeon carefully preserved Tenon's capsule during the enucleation procedure." — Surgical operative report
  • "Tumor extension through Tenon's capsule was noted on histopathologic examination." — Pathology report

Also known as

fascial sheath bulbar fascia

Don't confuse with

conjunctiva sclera

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