Medial rectus muscle

Medial Rectus Muscle is one of the six extraocular muscles that control the movements of the eye. It is the largest of the eye's muscles and its primary function is to move the eye towards the nose, a movement known as adduction.

Anatomy

The Medial Rectus Muscle originates from the Annulus of Zinn, also known as the common tendinous ring, which is located at the apex of the orbit. From there, it extends forward to insert into the medial, or nasal, side of the eyeball. The muscle is innervated by the Oculomotor nerve, specifically its inferior division.

Function

The primary action of the Medial Rectus Muscle is adduction, or movement of the eye towards the nose. It is the only muscle capable of performing this action. In addition, the Medial Rectus Muscle also contributes to convergence, which is the inward movement of both eyes towards each other, typically when focusing on a close object.

Clinical significance

Damage or dysfunction of the Medial Rectus Muscle can result in a range of eye movement disorders. These can include strabismus, a condition in which the eyes do not properly align with each other, and Duane syndrome, a congenital eye movement disorder. Treatment for these conditions can involve surgery to correct the position or function of the muscle.

See also

• Extraocular muscles
• Oculomotor nerve
• Strabismus
• Duane syndrome

Medial rectus muscle Resources
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