Oblique muscle of eye

Oblique muscle of eye

The oblique muscles of the eye, superior and inferior, are shown in this illustration from Gray's Anatomy.

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

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

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

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

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

• Eye movement
• Extraocular muscles
• Strabismus