A&P Extrinsic Eye Muscles

Superior Rectus

It is one of the extraocular muscles. It is innervated by the superior division of the oculomotor nerve (Cranial Nerve III). In the primary position (looking straight ahead), the superior rectus muscle's primary function is elevation, although it also contributes to intorsion and adduction.

Inferior Oblique

Two of those muscles, the superior and inferior rectus, move the eye up and down when the eye is rotated away from the nose. When the eye is turned toward the nose, the inferior oblique muscle is responsible for elevating the eye, turning the top of it away from the nose, and moving it outward.

Medial Rectus

the medial rectus muscle works to keep the pupil closer to the midline of the body. It helps move the eye up and down and from side to side.

Inferior Rectus

The inferior rectus muscle is located within the orbit (eye socket). It is one of six muscles that control the movements of the eye. The inferior rectus muscle moves the eyeball downward. It also moves the eye inward towards the nose and rotates the top of the eye away from the nose.

Lateral Rectus

The lateral rectus muscle is a muscle on the lateral side of the eyeball in the orbit. It is one of six extraocular muscles that control the movements of the eye. The lateral rectus muscle is responsible for lateral movement of the eyeball, specifically abduction.

Superior Oblique

The superior oblique muscle, or obliquus oculi superior, is a fusiform muscle originating in the upper, medial side of the orbit (i.e. from beside the nose) which abducts, depresses and internally rotates the eye. It is the only extraocular muscle innervated by the trochlear nerve (the fourth cranial nerve).