What are the upper and lower palpebrae commonly referred to as?

The upper and lower palpebrae are commonly referred to as eyelids. This terminology reflects the primary function of these structures, which is to protect the eyes and help regulate the amount of light that enters them. Eyelids also play an important role in maintaining eye health by distributing tears over the surface of the eye, keeping it moist and clean.

In contrast, the other options refer to different parts of the eye region. Eyebrows are the strips of hair that sit above the eyelids and help divert sweat and debris away from the eyes. Eye sockets, or orbits, are the bony cavities in the skull that contain the eyeballs and associated structures. Eyelashes are the hairs that grow along the edge of the eyelids and provide further protection for the eyes, helping to filter out dust and small particles. Understanding these distinctions helps clarify the anatomy of the eye and its protective features.