Superior Rectus (Musculus rectus superior)
Educational content only — not medical advice.
Anatomy
The superior rectus is an extraocular muscle situated in the upper compartment of the orbit, lying immediately inferior to the levator palpebrae superioris. Arising from the superior aspect of the common tendinous ring, it passes anteriorly above the eyeball to insert into the superior sclera. It serves as the primary elevator of the globe in the abducted position.
Origin & insertion
From the superior margin of the common tendinous ring (annulus of Zinn) above the optic canal to the sclera on the anterosuperior surface of the eyeball, roughly 7.5 mm behind the corneal limbus.
Action
Elevates the eyeball; also contributes to intorsion (incyclotorsion) and adduction in secondary gaze positions.
Innervation
Superior division of the oculomotor nerve (cranial nerve III).
Clinical notes
Isolated superior rectus palsy presents with hypotropia of the affected eye, vertical diplopia worsening on upgaze, and a compensatory chin-up head posture.
Related structures
Educational references
FAQ
What is the role of the Superior Rectus?
The superior rectus is an extraocular muscle situated in the upper compartment of the orbit, lying immediately inferior to the levator palpebrae superioris. Arising from the superior aspect of the common tendinous ring, it passes anteriorly above the eyeball to insert into the superior sclera. It serves as the primary elevator of the globe in the abducted position.
Why is the Superior Rectus clinically important?
Isolated superior rectus palsy presents with hypotropia of the affected eye, vertical diplopia worsening on upgaze, and a compensatory chin-up head posture.
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