Definition

Noun: The nasal canthus is the inner corner of the eye, the point where the upper and lower eyelids meet closest to the nose. It is the medial (toward the midline of the face) angle of the eye fissure.

Usage

This is a specialized anatomical term. It is used in medical, anatomical, and clinical contexts (e.g., ophthalmology, optometry, plastic surgery) to describe the location of structures, injuries, or conditions.

Examples

• The dermatologist noted a small lesion near the nasal canthus.
• In the diagram, the lacrimal caruncle is located at the nasal canthus.
• The incision for the procedure began at the nasal canthus.

Advanced Usage

• The term is often used in contrast to the temporal canthus (or lateral canthus), which is the outer corner of the eye.
• It can be part of more specific descriptions, such as "medial canthal tendon" (the tendon anchoring the eyelid at the nasal canthus).

Variants and Related Words

• Medial canthus: A direct synonym for nasal canthus, emphasizing its position toward the body's midline.
• Canthus (noun): The general term for either corner of the eye where the upper and lower eyelids meet. The nasal canthus is one of the two canthi.
• Epicanthus / Epicanthal fold (noun): A vertical fold of skin that may cover the nasal canthus, common in some ethnic groups.

Synonyms

• Medial canthus
• Inner canthus
• Inner corner of the eye

Antonyms

• Temporal canthus
• Lateral canthus
• Outer canthus

Noun

1. the inner corner of the eye