Tenon's capsule
Pronunciation: ten-ONZ KAP-sul
Fibrous membrane surrounding the posterior portion of the eyeball, providing a socket for eye movement.
Full Definition
Tenon's capsule is a thin, fibrous membrane that envelops the posterior two-thirds of the eyeball, extending from the limbus to the optic nerve. This structure separates the eyeball from the orbital fat and provides a smooth socket within which the eye can move freely. The capsule is perforated by the extraocular muscles and various nerves and vessels. In ophthalmic surgery, understanding Tenon's anatomy is crucial for procedures involving extraocular muscle surgery, retinal detachment repair, and orbital implant placement, as it provides important surgical landmarks and tissue planes.
Usage
Usage note: Named after Jacques René Tenon. Important surgical landmark in many ophthalmic procedures.
In Context
- "The surgeon carefully dissected through Tenon's capsule to access the superior rectus muscle." — Strabismus surgical note
- "Tenon's capsule was opened posteriorly to place the scleral buckle in the correct position." — Retinal detachment repair