Oblique muscle of eye
Oblique muscle of eye
The oblique muscle of the eye refers to two extrinsic muscles of the eye: the superior oblique muscle and the inferior oblique muscle. These muscles are responsible for the torsional movement of the eye, allowing it to rotate around its anterior-posterior axis.
Superior oblique muscle[edit]
The superior oblique muscle originates from the body of the sphenoid bone, near the optic canal. It passes through the trochlea, a pulley-like structure, and inserts onto the sclera of the eye. The superior oblique muscle primarily rotates the eye downward and laterally.
Inferior oblique muscle[edit]
The inferior oblique muscle originates from the maxillary bone in the anterior orbit, and inserts onto the lateral aspect of the eye. The inferior oblique muscle primarily rotates the eye upward and laterally.
Function[edit]
The oblique muscles of the eye work in conjunction with the rectus muscles to control the movements of the eye. They are particularly important for movements that involve turning the eye inward or outward.
Clinical significance[edit]
Damage to the oblique muscles or the cranial nerves that innervate them can result in strabismus, a condition where the eyes do not properly align with each other.
See also[edit]
References[edit]
