Inferior oblique muscle

Inferior Oblique Muscle

Inferior oblique muscle of the eye. From Gray's Anatomy.

The Inferior Oblique Muscle is one of the extraocular muscles of the eye. It is responsible for the outward and upward movement of the eye, and is the only muscle that is capable of elevating the eye when it is in an adducted position.

Structure

The inferior oblique originates from the maxillary bone near the nasal cavity, and inserts into the sclera of the eye, behind the lateral rectus muscle. It is the only extraocular muscle to originate from the floor of the orbit.

Function

The primary function of the inferior oblique muscle is to control the movement of the eye. It is responsible for ocular rotation, specifically, it abducts, elevates, and laterally rotates the eye.

Clinical significance

Damage to the inferior oblique muscle can result in diplopia (double vision) and an inability to move the eye upward and outward. This can be caused by trauma, surgery, or diseases such as Graves' disease.

See also

• Superior oblique muscle
• Medial rectus muscle
• Lateral rectus muscle
• Superior rectus muscle
• Inferior rectus muscle