A contribution to the histological and topographical anatomy of the aponeurosis of the levator palpebrae superioris and of the tarsal muscle in the normal lid and in blepharoptosis.

Eight normal upper lids were examinated histologically with special regard to the aponeurosis of the levator and of the tarsal muscle (Müller's). The aponeurosis originates from the levator muscle within the orbit (behind the septum orbitale) and inserts at the upper anterior surface of the tarsal plate. The tarsal muscle originates from the levator muscle and inserts at the upper tarsal border. It is a smooth muscle containing many small blood vessels. Fifty-six specimens of tissue resected in operations for blepharoptosis were examined histologically. They consist of parts of the tarsal muscle and of the aponeurosis of the levator and of fat tissue without pathological changes.