Superior rectus

Musculus rectus superior

Sensory (eye & ear)Deep musclesHeadLeft and right

View left in 3D View right in 3D

What it is

A flat strap muscle arising from the common tendinous ring at the orbit apex and running forward along the orbital wall to insert by a thin, broad, white tendon on the sclera in front of the equator.

Function

Elevates the eye (mainly when it looks outward) and also turns it in and rotates it inward (intorsion).

Size

~42 mm long; inserts ~7.7 mm from the limbus, obliquely.

Clinical note

Supplied by the superior division of CN III; it is tied to the levator by fascia, so the lid rises when we look up.