Corpus: Superior rectus muscle

The superior rectus muscle is a skeletal muscle that is part of the external eye musculature.

The superior rectus muscle originates from the common tendinous ring. It runs in a straight path and attaches to the sclera on the anterior surface of the eyeball, just in front of the equator.

The superior rectus muscle is innervated by the superior branch of the oculomotor nerve (cranial nerve III).

The muscle receives its arterial blood supply from the muscular branches of the ophthalmic artery.

When the superior rectus muscle contracts, it rotates the eyeball upward (cranially). Additionally, it assists in adducting the eye and rotating the upper half of the eyeball inward (intorsion).