EXTRAOCULAR MUSCLES are the muscles that control eye movement. There are six muscles attached to the outside of each eyeball, each of which pulls the eye in a particular direction. There are four RECTUS muscles: superior, inferior, medial and lateral. These muscles control movement of the eye up, down and to the sides. There are two OBLIQUE muscles: superior and inferior. They help with up and down movements and also control rotational movements of the eye.
These muscles are controlled by CRANIAL NERVES which come from the brain. The nerve impulses from the brain go to both eyes at the same time so that the eyes move in the same direction, simultaneously.
PLEASE NOTE: The information contained on this system is not intended to supplant individual professional consultation, but is offered as a community education service. Advice on individual problems should be obtained directly from a professional.
Copyright, 1994. Richard E. Gans, M.D.
Last Modified: August 23, 1996