Health Dictionary
Reliable, easy-to-read patient information on common medical conditions — written in plain language, free of jargon, and grounded in current evidence. Browse the most frequent diagnoses, understand what they mean for everyday life, and learn which steps and questions help you have a focused conversation with your doctor.
Rectus lateralis
Introduction
- For the muscle of the neck, see Rectus capitis lateralis muscle
Overview
Overview
The lateral rectus muscle is a muscle in the orbit. It is one of six extraocular muscles that control the movements of the eye (abduction in this case) and the only muscle innervated by the abducens nerve, cranial nerve VI.
Additional images
Additional images
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Nerves of the orbit. Seen from above. -
Horizontal section of the eyeball. -
Dissection showing origins of right ocular muscles, and nerves entering by the superior orbital fissure. -
