Oculomotor

Oculomotor refers to anything related to the movement of the eye. It is most commonly used in reference to the Oculomotor nerve, the third cranial nerve, which is responsible for the majority of the eye's movements and for pupil constriction.

Anatomy

The Oculomotor nerve is the third of twelve paired cranial nerves. It enters the orbit via the superior orbital fissure and controls most of the eye's movements, including constriction of the pupil and maintaining an open eyelid by innervating the levator palpebrae superioris muscle.

Function

The oculomotor nerve is responsible for the nerve supply to the muscles around the eye that enable most movements of the eye and that raise the eyelid. The nerve also contains fibers that innervate the muscles that enable pupillary constriction and accommodation (ability to focus on objects that are near).

Clinical significance

Damage to the oculomotor nerve can result in Oculomotor nerve palsy, also known as third nerve palsy. This condition can cause drooping of the eyelid (ptosis), dilated pupil, double vision, and inability to coordinate the movements of both eyes (strabismus).

See also

• Cranial nerves
• Eye movement
• Oculomotor nerve palsy

References

Oculomotor Resources
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