Inferior oblique

The inferior oblique (Latin: musculus obliquus inferior) also called the obliquus inferior or inferior oblique extraocular muscle, is one of the six extraocular muscles that are in control of eye movements. Activation of the inferior oblique is responsible for moving the visual gaze upward and outward.

Origin

The fibers of the inferior oblique originate from the maxilla, from the medial part of the floor of the orbit.

Oblique extraocular muscles within bony orbit by Anatomy.app
Extraocular muscles, Oblique muscles, Superior oblique, Inferior oblique, Bony orbit, Skull, Anterolateral view

Insertion

The inferior oblique inserts into the posterior, inferior, and lateral surfaces of the eyeball.

Oblique extraocular muscles within bony orbit (removed recti muscles) by Anatomy.app
Extraocular muscles, Oblique muscles, Superior oblique, Inferior oblique, Bony orbit, Skull, Anterolateral view

Action

The actions provided by the inferior oblique include extortion (external rotation), elevation and abduction of the eye. The inferior oblique therefore turns the eye upward and outward with lateral rotation.

 

Innervation

The inferior oblique is innervated by a branch of oculomotor nerve (CN III).

 

Blood supply

The inferior oblique receives arterial blood supplied from the ophthalmic artery.