Inferior Oblique (Musculus obliquus inferior)
Educational content only — not medical advice.
Anatomy
The inferior oblique is a thin, narrow muscle located near the anterior margin of the orbital floor. Uniquely among the extraocular muscles, it arises from the anterior orbital margin on the maxilla rather than the orbital apex. It passes posterolaterally beneath the inferior rectus to insert into the posterolateral sclera, acting as the primary elevator of the adducted eye.
Origin & insertion
From the orbital surface of the maxilla lateral to the nasolacrimal groove to the posteroinferior lateral quadrant of the sclera beneath the lateral rectus.
Action
Extorts (excyclotorsion), elevates, and abducts the eyeball; primary elevator of the globe when the eye is turned medially (adducted).
Innervation
Inferior division of the oculomotor nerve (cranial nerve III).
Clinical notes
Inferior oblique overaction is a frequent component of strabismus, producing elevation in adduction and a classic V-pattern strabismus treated by surgical myectomy or recession.
Related structures
Educational references
FAQ
What is the role of the Inferior Oblique?
The inferior oblique is a thin, narrow muscle located near the anterior margin of the orbital floor. Uniquely among the extraocular muscles, it arises from the anterior orbital margin on the maxilla rather than the orbital apex. It passes posterolaterally beneath the inferior rectus to insert into the posterolateral sclera, acting as the primary elevator of the adducted eye.
Why is the Inferior Oblique clinically important?
Inferior oblique overaction is a frequent component of strabismus, producing elevation in adduction and a classic V-pattern strabismus treated by surgical myectomy or recession.
Source & license
BodyParts3D, © The Database Center for Life Science licensed under CC Attribution 4.0 International (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). license details