Lateral rectus

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Lateral Rectus

The Lateral Rectus (/ˈlætərəl ˈrɛktəs/; from Latin latus, meaning "side", and rectus, meaning "straight") is an eye muscle that is responsible for outward gaze, or abduction, of the eye.

Anatomy

The Lateral Rectus is one of the six extraocular muscles that control the movements of the eye. It originates from the annulus of Zinn and inserts into the lateral side of the sclera, the white part of the eye. It is innervated by the abducens nerve (cranial nerve VI).

Function

The primary function of the Lateral Rectus is to abduct the eye, that is, to move it outward, away from the midline of the body. This is in contrast to the medial rectus, which moves the eye inward, or adducts it.

Clinical Significance

Damage to the Lateral Rectus or its nerve supply can result in abducens nerve palsy, a condition characterized by an inability to move the eye outward. This can lead to diplopia (double vision) when looking to the side. Treatment may involve eye muscle surgery or botulinum toxin injections.

Related Terms

External links

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