Lateral rectus

Lateral Rectus

The Lateral rectus is an eye muscle that is part of the extraocular muscles group. Its primary function is to control the outward movement of the eye, known as abduction.

Anatomy

The lateral rectus originates at the annulus of Zinn, also known as the annular tendon or common tendinous ring, which is located at the apex of the orbit. It inserts onto the sclera, or white part of the eye, about 6.9 mm from the limbus. The lateral rectus is the only muscle that is innervated by the abducens nerve (sixth cranial nerve).

Function

The primary action of the lateral rectus is to abduct the eye, which means it pulls the eye outward, away from the midline of the body. This is an important function in binocular vision, as it allows both eyes to track objects together.

Clinical significance

Damage to the abducens nerve can lead to a medical condition known as abducens nerve palsy, which results in horizontal double vision. This is because the affected eye is unable to turn outward, and thus cannot coordinate its movements with the unaffected eye.

See also

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

Lateral rectus Resources
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