Lateral rectus muscle
Lateral Rectus Muscle
The Lateral Rectus Muscle (pronunciation: lat-er-al rek-tus mus-kul) is one of the six extraocular muscles that control the movements of the eye. Its primary function is to control the outward movement of the eye, known as abduction.
Etymology
The term "Lateral Rectus" is derived from Latin, where "lateralis" means "to the side" and "rectus" means "straight". This refers to the muscle's function of moving the eye in the outward direction.
Anatomy
The Lateral Rectus Muscle originates from the annulus of Zinn, also known as the common tendinous ring, which is located at the apex of the orbit. It inserts onto the lateral (temporal) side of the eyeball. The muscle is innervated by the abducens nerve (sixth cranial nerve).
Function
The primary function of the Lateral Rectus Muscle is to abduct the eye, which means it moves the eye outward, away from the nose. This is in contrast to the medial rectus muscle, which moves the eye inward, towards the nose.
Clinical Significance
Damage to the Lateral Rectus Muscle or its nerve supply can result in a condition known as abducens nerve palsy, which is characterized by an inability to move the eye outward. This can result in double vision, also known as diplopia.
Related Terms
- Extraocular muscles
- Annulus of Zinn
- Orbit
- Abducens nerve
- Medial rectus muscle
- Abducens nerve palsy
- Diplopia
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Lateral rectus muscle
- Wikipedia's article - Lateral rectus muscle
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