Lateral rectus

The lateral rectus (Latin: musculus rectus lateralis), also called the lateral rectus extraocular muscle, is one of the six extraocular muscles that control eye movements. Activation of the lateral rectus moves the visual gaze laterally.

Origin

The lateral rectus originates from the lateral part of the common tendinous ring and bridges of the superior orbital fissure. Some fibers of the lateral rectus also arise from the spine on the greater wing of the sphenoid bone.

Insertion

The insertion site of the lateral rectus is the lateral surface of the sclera, approximately 0.3 inches (7 mm) behind the corneal limbus.

Action

The main function of the lateral rectus is to turn the eyeball laterally.

Innervation

The lateral rectus is innervated by the abducens nerve (CN VI).

Blood supply

The arterial blood supply of the lateral rectus muscle comes from the ophthalmic artery.