Lateral rectus muscle

Lateral rectus muscle is one of the six extraocular muscles that control the movements of the eye. It is the only muscle that is responsible for abduction of the eye, which is the movement of the eye away from the midline of the body.

Anatomy

The lateral rectus muscle originates at the annulus of Zinn, also known as the common tendinous ring, which is located at the apex of the orbit. From there, it extends laterally to the temporal side of the eyeball. The muscle is innervated by the abducens nerve, also known as the sixth cranial nerve.

Function

The primary function of the lateral rectus muscle is to pull the eyeball laterally, away from the midline of the body. This action is known as abduction. The muscle works in conjunction with the medial rectus muscle, which pulls the eyeball medially, towards the midline of the body.

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 turn the eye outward. This can result in diplopia, or double vision. Treatment for this condition may involve surgery to reposition the muscle or to weaken the opposing medial rectus muscle.

See also

• Extraocular muscles
• Abducens nerve
• Diplopia

References

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Lateral rectus muscle

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  Diagram showing eye movements with lateral rectus as abductor
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  Trochlear and frontal nerves in relation to the lateral rectus muscle
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  Anatomical illustration of the lateral rectus muscle
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  Nerves of the lateral orbit including the lateral rectus muscle