Orbicularis oculi
Orbicularis Oculi
The Orbicularis Oculi (pronounced: or-bi-cu-lar-is ok-u-li) is a muscle in the face that closes the eyelids. It is one of the two major components of the eyelids, the other being the Levator Palpebrae Superioris.
Etymology
The term "Orbicularis" comes from the Latin word "orbis", meaning circle, and "oculi" is Latin for eye. Thus, the term literally translates to "circular muscle of the eye".
Anatomy
The Orbicularis Oculi is a complex muscle composed of three parts: the orbital, palpebral, and lacrimal parts. The orbital part is responsible for forced closure of the eyelids, the palpebral part for spontaneous blinking and the lacrimal part for drawing the eyelids and tears medially.
Function
The primary function of the Orbicularis Oculi is to enable the eyelids to close, which helps to protect the eyes from light and foreign bodies. It also assists in the spreading of tears over the surface of the eyes, which is crucial for maintaining eye health.
Related Terms
- Blepharospasm: An abnormal, involuntary blinking or spasm of the eyelids, often caused by malfunction of the Orbicularis Oculi.
- Ptosis: A drooping or falling of the upper or lower eyelid, which can be caused by weakness or paralysis of the Orbicularis Oculi.
- Bell's Palsy: A condition that causes sudden, temporary weakness or paralysis of the muscles on one side of the face, often affecting the Orbicularis Oculi.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Orbicularis oculi
- Wikipedia's article - Orbicularis oculi
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