What is the primary function of the orbits surrounding the eyes?

The primary function of the orbits is the protection of the eyes. The orbits are bony structures that house and safeguard the eyeballs, surrounding them with a protective encasement made up of several bones. This configuration not only shields the delicate structures of the eyes from trauma and injury but also provides attachment points for the muscles that control eye movement.

While other physiological processes, such as vision correction, tear production, and pupil dilation, are essential functions carried out by different systems in the eye, they are not related to the anatomical role of the orbits. Vision correction is managed by the lens and cornea, tears are produced by the lacrimal glands, and pupil dilation is controlled by the iris and autonomic nervous system. Thus, the primary purpose of the orbits is distinctly focused on the protective aspect.