Medial rectus muscle
Medial Rectus Muscle
The Medial Rectus Muscle (pronunciation: /ˈmiːdiəl ˈrɛktəs ˈmʌsəl/) is one of the six extraocular muscles that control the movements of the eye. Its primary function is to rotate the eye medially towards the nose.
Etymology
The term "Medial Rectus" is derived from Latin, where "medialis" means middle and "rectus" means straight. Thus, the term refers to the muscle that runs straight to the middle of the eye.
Anatomy
The Medial 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 into the medial, or nearer side of the eyeball, about 5.5 mm from the limbus.
Function
The primary action of the Medial Rectus Muscle is adduction, or movement of the eye towards the nose. It is the strongest of the eye's adductors. This muscle works in unison with the lateral rectus muscle of the opposite eye to enable both eyes to look in the same direction, a process known as conjugate gaze.
Clinical Significance
Damage or paralysis of the Medial Rectus Muscle can result in abduction, where the affected eye deviates laterally and cannot move towards the nose. This condition is often associated with strabismus, a disorder in which the eyes do not align properly.
Related Terms
- Extraocular muscles: The group of six muscles that control the movements of the eye.
- Annulus of Zinn: The common tendinous ring from which the Medial Rectus Muscle originates.
- Orbit (anatomy): The bony cavity containing the eyeball.
- Lateral rectus muscle: The muscle that works in unison with the Medial Rectus Muscle to enable both eyes to look in the same direction.
- Abduction (eye): The condition where the affected eye deviates laterally and cannot move towards the nose.
- Strabismus: A disorder in which the eyes do not align properly.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Medial rectus muscle
- Wikipedia's article - Medial rectus muscle
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