Log in
Anatomy · Anatomical structures

Superciliary arches

Arcus superciliares

The superciliary arches (Arcus superciliares) are located on the external surface of the skull superior to the supraorbital margin. They are of clinical significance in burns, facial furuncles, and obstetrical diagnosis, and are also used as a craniological landmark in paleontology.

Test your knowledge on this topicAsk the AI
LocationOn the external surface of the skull, superior to the supraorbital margin.
DangerFurunicles in this area can lead to purulent meningitis.
Burn ComplicationIn deep burns, a scar forms at the site of the eyebrows, increasing ectropion of the upper eyelid.
3 min readFor medical studentsUpdated 09/24/2026
Material prepared by WhiteCoat Pro editorial team based on platform study guidesReviewed by medical editor: Aulov A. A., general practitioner · 09/24/2026

Location and borders

The superciliary arches are located on the external surface of the skull (Facies externa). Their prominence can vary.

Topographic landmarks:

  • Supraorbital margin (Margo supraorbitalis) — the inferior boundary of the external surface of the skull; the superciliary arches are located superior to this margin.
  • Glabella (Glabella) — identified along the midline above the root of the nose.
  • Frontal tubers (Tubera frontales / Eminentiae frontales) — frontal prominences.

Clinical significance: trauma and purulent processes

The superciliary arches are a zone where complications of burns and facial furuncles are described:

  • Thermal burns: In deep burns, a thin scar forms at the site of the eyebrows, which increases ectropion of the upper eyelid. Hair growth on the affected arches does not resume.
  • Furuncles: The superciliary arches are typical localization sites for facial furuncles. In a malignant course, severe headache and high fever are possible. Infection can spread via the facial veins into the ophthalmic vein, and further into the cavernous sinus (sinus cavernosus), leading to purulent meningitis.
Test your knowledge on this topicExercises from the Anatomy course question bank with instant answers and explanations.

Role in obstetrical diagnostics

In extension presentations of the fetal head, the superciliary arches serve as a landmark during vaginal examination:

  • Brow presentation: On one side of the frontal suture, the bridge of the nose, superciliary arches, and orbits are palpated; on the other side, the anterior fontanelle is identified.
  • Face presentation: The chin, mouth, nose, and superciliary arches are identified. The examination must be extremely careful to avoid damaging the fetal eyes.

Significance in infectious diseases

The superciliary arches are mentioned when describing symptoms of influenza and microbiological diagnostics:

  • Influenza: In intoxication syndrome and fever, severe headache may be localized in the area of the superciliary arches, as well as in the frontotemporal, parietal, and retroorbital regions.
  • Microbiological diagnostics: The superciliary arches are among the sites from which scrapings are taken when investigating infections caused by irregular Gram-positive bacilli. The material is examined bacterioscopically and stained using the Ziehl-Neelsen technique to detect acid-fast bacteria.

Evolutionary morphology

The prominence of the superciliary arches is described as a craniological landmark in paleontology:

  • In Aegyptopithecus (about 30 million years ago), the superciliary arches were weakly developed.
  • In Australopithecus, the superciliary region projected forward.
  • In archanthropes (Pithecanthropus, Sinanthropus, Homo heidelbergensis), the supraorbital ridges were pronounced against a backdrop of a low skull and very thick bones.
  • In paleoanthropists (Neandertals), the superciliary arches were strongly developed; the forehead is low and sloping.

Class and exam questions

How do deep burns of the superciliary arches affect the eyelids?

In deep burns, a thin scar forms at the site of the eyebrows, which increases ectropion of the upper eyelid. Hair growth does not resume.

Why are furuncles in the area of the superciliary arches considered dangerous?

In a malignant course of a facial furuncle, the infection can spread through the facial veins into the ophthalmic vein, and then into the cavernous sinus, causing purulent meningitis.

In which fetal presentations are the superciliary arches palpated?

They are identified during vaginal examination in brow presentation along with the bridge of the nose and orbits at one end of the frontal suture, as well as in face presentation along with the chin, mouth, and nose.

Something unclear? Ask the AIThe AI tutor has reviewed the material on the topic "Superciliary arches" and will explain it in simple terms.

What else to study on this topic

  • Supraorbital margin (Margo supraorbitalis)
  • Glabella (Glabella)
  • Frontal tubers (Tubera frontales)
  • Fetal face presentation
  • Facial furuncle

Study the complete topic in the Anatomy course

This is a summary. The course covers everything tested in classes and exams.

  • Complete study guide on "Superciliary arches" and 1,363 other subject pages
  • Assignments and quizzes after every topic — just like in a colloquium
  • AI tutor answers questions on the topic anytime
  • 295 video lessons by subject
Open full reviewSubject curriculumfrom 599 ₽ per month

Free video lessons: AnatomyShort lessons with study notes — no registration required.

Watch lessons

Prepared by WhiteCoat Pro faculty in accordance with the medical school curriculum. For educational purposes only.