Lateral rectus muscle

This tutorial covers the lateral rectus muscle, one of the six extraocular muscles responsible for eye movement. It originates from the common tendinous ring and inserts onto the anterolateral surface of the eye. Its primary function is to abduct the eye, moving it laterally away from the nose. The muscle is innervated by the abducens nerve and receives blood supply from the anterior ciliary arteries, branches of the ophthalmic artery.

Which of the following is NOT a function of the extraocular muscles?

• Supporting the eyeball

• Protecting the eyeball

• Facilitating eye abduction

• Controlling eye movements

Where does the lateral rectus muscle originate?

• From the lateral aspect of the eyeball

• From the superior rectus muscle

• From the common tendinous ring

• From the optic nerve

What is the primary function of the lateral rectus muscle?

• To move the eye outward

• To move the eye inward

• To move the eye downward

• To move the eye upward

Which cranial nerve is responsible for the innervation of the lateral rectus muscle?

• The optic nerve

• The oculomotor nerve

• The abducens nerve

• The trochlear nerve

The lateral rectus muscle receives blood supply from which artery?

• The lacrimal artery

• The posterior ciliary artery

• The anterior ciliary artery

• The central retinal artery