Lateral rectus muscle

Lateral rectus
Lateral rectus muscle: is shown in this superior view of the eye. The lateral rectus is on the right side of the image.
Figure showing the mode of innervation of the Recti medialis and lateralis of the eye.
Latin	musculus rectus lateralis bulbi
Gray's	subject #227 1022
Origin	annulus of Zinn at the orbital apex
Insertion	7 mm temporal to the limbus
Artery
Nerve	abducens nerve
Actions	abducts the eyeball (makes it move outwards)

For the muscle of the neck, see Rectus capitis lateralis muscle

The lateral rectus muscle is a muscle in the orbit. It is one of six extraocular muscles that control the movements of the eye (abduction in this case) and the only muscle innervated by the abducens nerve, cranial nerve VI.

Its function is to bring the pupil away from the midline of the body. It is tested clinically by asking the patient to look laterally.

Additional images

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  Lateral rectus muscle

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  Dissection showing origins of right ocular muscles, and nerves entering by the superior orbital fissure.

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  Lateral view of the eyeball with lateral rectus muscle visible (cut).

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  Lateral rectus muscle

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  Extrinsic eye muscle. Nerves of orbita. Deep dissection.

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  Extrinsic eye muscle. Nerves of orbita. Deep dissection.

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  Extrinsic eye muscle. Nerves of orbita. Deep dissection.

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  Extrinsic eye muscle. Nerves of orbita. Deep dissection.

External links

• LUC lr
• -66715569 at GPnotebook
• SUNY Figs 29:01-05
• Cranial Nerves at Yale 6-1
• lateral+rectus+muscle at eMedicine Dictionary