Corpus: Lateral rectus muscle
1. Definition
The lateral rectus muscle is a skeletal muscle that is part of the extraocular muscles responsible for eye movement.
2. Course
The lateral rectus muscle originates from the common tendinous ring (annulus tendineus communis). It runs in a straight path and attaches to the lateral side of the eyeball (bulbus oculi) on the sclera, just anterior to the equator of the eye.
3. Innervation
The lateral rectus muscle is innervated by the abducens nerve (cranial nerve VI).
4. Blood supply
The muscle receives its arterial blood supply from the lacrimal artery, a branch of the ophthalmic artery.
5. Function
When the lateral rectus muscle contracts, it rotates the eyeball laterally, producing abduction (moving the eye outward).