Inferior Oblique Muscle of the Eye
The structure indicated is the inferior oblique muscle of the eye.
This muscle is one of six muscles that are involved in the movements of the eye. The muscles which move the eye are referred to as the extraocular muscles, these include:
- Superior rectus
- Inferior rectus
- Lateral rectus
- Medial rectus
- Superior oblique
- Inferior oblique
The oculomotor nerve innervates the superior, inferior and medial rectus muscles as well as the inferior oblique muscle.
The trochlear nerve innervates the superior oblique muscle
The abducent nerve innervates the lateral rectus muscle.
When the inferior oblique muscle is injured through a 3rd nerve palsy of the inferior division of the oculomotor nerve.
Origin: Orbital surface of maxilla, lateral to lacrimal groove
Insertion: laterally on eyeball – deep to lateral rectus muscle
Action: extorsion, elevation, abduction
Innervation: Inferior division of oculomotor nerve
