Superior rectus muscle

Superior rectus
View of the eye from above, showing the action of the superior rectus muscle.
Details
Origin	annulus of Zinn at the orbital apex
Insertion	7.5 mm superior to the limbus
Nerve	oculomotor nerve
Actions	elevates, intorsion, and rotates medially the eye
Identifiers
Latin	musculus rectus superior bulbi
TA98	A15.2.07.010
TA2	2042
FMA	49035
Anatomical terms of muscle

The superior rectus muscle is a muscle in the orbit. 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.

The superior rectus muscles is shown in this image of the right eye from above. Hover the mouse over the structures for their names. Click for more information.

Structure

See also: Extraocular muscles

Function

See also: Eye movement

It elevates, adducts, and helps intort (rotate medially) the eye.

Clinical significance

Testing

The superior rectus muscle is the only muscle that is capable of elevating the eye when it is in a fully abducted position.

Additional images

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  The right eye in sagittal section, showing the fascia bulbi (semidiagrammatic).
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  Superior rectus muscle
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  Superior rectus muscle
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  Extrinsic eye muscle. Nerves of orbita. Deep dissection.
• 
  Extrinsic eye muscle. Nerves of orbita. Deep dissection.
• 
  Extrinsic eye muscle. Nerves of orbita. Deep dissection.
• 
  Extrinsic eye muscle. Nerves of orbita. Deep dissection.
• 
  Extrinsic eye muscle. Nerves of orbita. Deep dissection.
• 
  Extrinsic eye muscle. Nerves of orbita. Deep dissection.
• 
  Extrinsic eye muscle. Nerves of orbita. Deep dissection.
• 
  Extrinsic eye muscle. Nerves of orbita. Deep dissection.

External links

• Anatomy figure: 29:01-02 at Human Anatomy Online, SUNY Downstate Medical Center
• "Diagram". Archived from the original on March 25, 2010.