Superior rectus

The superior rectus (Latin: musculus rectus superior), also known as the superior rectus extraocular muscle, is one of the six extraocular muscles that are in control of eye movements. Actions of the superior rectus result in moving the visual gaze up and in.

Origin

The superior rectus originates from the upper part of the common tendinous ring, above and lateral to the optic canal. Some fibres of the superior rectus also arise from the dural sheath of the optic nerve (CN II).

Insertion

The superior rectus inserts into the upper part of the sclera, approximately 0.3 inches (8 mm) from the corneal limbus.

Action

The main actions provided by the superior rectus are elevation and adduction of the eyeball, and medial rotation of the eyeball. To obtain the upward movement, the muscle must function in synergy with the inferior oblique.

Innervation

The superior rectus is innervated by the superior division of the oculomotor nerve (CN III).

Blood supply

The arterial blood supply to the superior rectus is provided by the ophthalmic artery and indirectly from its supraorbital branch.