Lateral Rectus

Description

Arising from the annulus of Zinn at the orbital apex, the lateral rectus (musculus rectus lateralis) is shown splitting into its two heads of origin with a small interval near the optic canal and superior orbital fissure, then coursing anteriorly along the lateral wall of the orbit to insert on the temporal sclera, posterior to the limbus. Medial to the muscle belly sit the globe and its episcleral vessels, while the bony orbital rim lies anterior and lateral, framing the orbital opening in profile. Portions of the superior oblique tendon and oblique muscle mass are suggested superiorly, with the remaining recti implied by their usual positions around the equator of the eyeball. Spatial relationships read cleanly. Emphasis on the dual-headed origin matters because that interval is a practical landmark in orbital apex anatomy, where the optic nerve and the ophthalmic artery enter the orbit and where the oculomotor, trochlear, and abducens nerves traverse the superior orbital fissure. Abducens nerve (CN VI) palsy presents with impaired abduction and horizontal diplopia, and the lateral rectus becomes the structure you track when teaching why esotropia worsens on gaze toward the affected side. Strabismus surgery also depends on this anatomy: lateral rectus recession or resection requires precise identification of the tendon insertion on sclera and appreciation of adjacent structures that can be injured in deep dissection. Use this image for ophthalmology and neuroanatomy teaching on extraocular muscles, CN VI pathway lesions, and orbital apex syndrome, or in surgical texts covering lateral rectus exposure, traction testing, and rectus muscle tendon handling. It also fits radiology or anatomy lab materials that correlate orbital cross section orientation with extraocular muscle positions around the globe. Anatomical accuracy verified by SciePro's Medical Advisory Board.