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The superior tarsal muscle, also known as the Müller muscle, is a small muscle found within the superior eyelid. It is a smooth muscle that allows for the retraction and elevation of the upper eyelid. This muscle receives innervation from the sympathetic nervous system, specifically from postganglionic sympathetic fibres that originate in the superior cervical ganglion. These fibres travel via the internal carotid plexus and communicate with the oculomotor nerve as they pass through the cavernous sinus. The main function of the superior tarsal muscle is to elevate the upper eyelid in states of sympathetic predominance, such as excitement, fear, or surprise, which can enable a wider visual field in acute life-threatening situations, also known as the fight-or-flight response.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Muscle Type | Smooth muscle |
| Muscle Group | Skeletal muscle |
| Muscle Function | Elevate and retract the upper eyelid |
| Innervation | Sympathetic nervous system |
| Innervation Type | Postganglionic sympathetic fibres |
| Nerve | Oculomotor nerve (CNIII) |
| Nerve Branch | Superior branch |
| Ganglion | Superior cervical ganglion |
| Plexus | Internal carotid plexus |
| Artery | Ophthalmic artery |
| Veins | Vortex veins |
| Syndrome | Horner's syndrome |
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What You'll Learn
- The superior tarsal muscle, also known as Müller's muscle, is a smooth muscle
- It originates from the undersurface of the levator palpebrae superioris muscle
- The muscle receives innervation from the sympathetic nervous system
- Horner's syndrome is characterised by partial ptosis, miosis, and loss of hemifacial sweating
- The muscle's main function is to elevate the upper eyelid
The superior tarsal muscle, also known as Müller's muscle, is a smooth muscle
The superior tarsal muscle, also known as Müllers muscle, is a smooth muscle. It is a small muscle of the superior orbit, found within the superior eyelid. It is an accessory muscle that allows for the retraction and elevation of the upper eyelid. This is particularly useful in states of acute life-threatening situations, such as excitement, fear, or surprise, where a wider visual field is required.
The superior tarsal muscle is innervated by the sympathetic nervous system. Specifically, it is innervated by postganglionic sympathetic fibres that originate in the superior cervical ganglion. These fibres form the internal carotid plexus around the cervical segment of the internal carotid artery. They then enter the skull and traverse the cavernous sinus. The nerve fibres access the orbit in the form of a tight nervous plexus wrapped around the ophthalmic artery, a branch of the internal carotid artery.
The superior tarsal muscle is often considered to be the deep part of the palpebrae superioris muscle. It originates from the undersurface of the levator palpebrae superioris muscle and inserts onto the superior tarsal plate of the upper eyelid. The superior tarsal muscle and the levator palpebrae superioris develop from secondary mesenchymal tissues. The levator palpebrae superioris is the main upper eyelid retractor, innervated by the oculomotor nerve (CNIII).
The superior tarsal muscle has several physiologic variants that differ based on their attachment to the superior tarsal plate. Four variations exist: the superior tarsal muscle attaches to the upper border, medial aspect, lateral aspect, or the whole extent of the superior tarsal plate.
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It originates from the undersurface of the levator palpebrae superioris muscle
The superior tarsal muscle, also known as the Müller muscle, is a small muscle found within the superior eyelid. It is a smooth muscle, but it is considered a structural component of the larger skeletal muscle of the eyelid, the levator palpebrae superioris. It originates from the undersurface of the levator palpebrae superioris muscle. The superior tarsal muscle is often considered to be the deep part of the palpebrae superioris muscle.
The superior tarsal muscle extends from the deep aspect of the levator palpebrae superioris to the upper margin of the superior tarsal plate of the eyelid. The superior tarsal muscle has a much more significant role in levator action than previously thought. Research has determined that the superior tarsal muscle transmits considerable power to the levator palpebrae superioris when elevating the eyelid, furthering the synergistic interaction between the two muscles.
The superior tarsal muscle receives its innervation from the sympathetic nervous system. Specifically, the muscle is innervated by postganglionic sympathetic fibres that have synapses in the superior sympathetic cervical ganglia. These fibres wrap around the internal carotid artery, forming the internal carotid plexus, and enter the skull. From here, the plexus fibres reach the orbit via the ophthalmic artery and subsequently innervate the superior tarsal muscle.
The superior tarsal muscle is controlled by the autonomic nervous system, specifically its sympathetic division. The oculomotor nerve (CNIII) innervates the main upper eyelid retractor, the levator palpebrae superioris, via its superior branch. The superior tarsal muscle receives its innervation from fibres originating from the sympathetic cervical ganglion.
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The muscle receives innervation from the sympathetic nervous system
The superior tarsal muscle, also known as the Müller muscle, is a smooth muscle that allows for the retraction and elevation of the upper eyelid. This muscle receives innervation from the sympathetic nervous system. More specifically, the muscle is innervated by postganglionic sympathetic fibres that originate in the superior cervical ganglion. These fibres wrap around the internal carotid artery, forming the internal carotid plexus, and enter the skull. From here, the plexus fibres reach the orbit via the ophthalmic artery and subsequently innervate the superior tarsal muscle.
The superior tarsal muscle is a small muscle found within the superior eyelid. It is a smooth muscle, but it is considered a structural component of the larger skeletal muscle of the eyelid, known as the levator palpebrae superioris. The superior tarsal muscle originates on the underside of the levator palpebrae superioris and inserts onto the superior tarsal plate of the eyelid. This muscle plays a significant role in eyelid elevation, acting synergistically with the levator palpebrae superioris to transmit considerable power and facilitate synergistic interaction.
The main function of the superior tarsal muscle is to elevate the upper eyelid in states of sympathetic predominance, such as excitement, fear, or surprise. This action is particularly important in acute life-threatening situations, triggering the fight-or-flight response and enabling a wider visual field. The role of this muscle is not fully understood, but it may act as an accessory muscle to raise the eyelid.
Damage to certain elements of the sympathetic nervous system can impair the function of the superior tarsal muscle, leading to a drooping eyelid condition known as blepharoptosis or partial ptosis. This condition is observed in Horner's syndrome, characterised by a triad of symptoms, including partial ptosis, miosis, and a loss of hemifacial sweating (anhidrosis). The superior tarsal muscle is routinely addressed in oculoplastic surgery, including procedures aimed at correcting ptosis.
The superior tarsal muscle receives its vascular supply from the superior branches of the ophthalmic artery. Additionally, the sympathetic fibres that innervate this muscle contribute to the formation of the internal carotid plexus around the internal carotid artery. These fibres then enter the skull and continue their path to the orbit, where they play a crucial role in the innervation of the superior tarsal muscle.
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Horner's syndrome is characterised by partial ptosis, miosis, and loss of hemifacial sweating
The superior tarsal muscle, also known as the Müller muscle, is a small smooth muscle found within the superior eyelid. It is responsible for retracting and elevating the upper eyelid, allowing for a wider visual field in states of acute danger. This muscle receives its innervation from the sympathetic nervous system, specifically the postganglionic sympathetic fibres that originate from the superior cervical ganglion.
Horner's syndrome is a rare condition characterised by partial ptosis (drooping or falling of the upper eyelid), miosis (constricted pupil), and facial anhidrosis (loss of sweating). It is caused by a disruption in the sympathetic nerve supply, resulting in a deficiency of sympathetic activity. The syndrome can be congenital or acquired, with the acquired form resulting from damage to the sympathetic nerve supply.
The symptoms of Horner's syndrome are typically mild and do not cause significant issues with health or vision. However, they can indicate an underlying health problem that may be serious. The syndrome is characterised by partial ptosis, which occurs when the superior tarsal muscle is inactivated due to reduced sympathetic innervation. This muscle is responsible for keeping the upper eyelid in a raised position, so its inactivation leads to the eyelid drooping or falling.
Miosis, or constriction of the pupil, is another characteristic feature of Horner's syndrome. This occurs due to the interruption of sympathetic pathways, which inactivates the dilator muscle of the pupil. The disruption in sympathetic nerve supply also affects sweating, leading to the loss of hemifacial sweating or anhidrosis.
The prognosis and treatment of Horner's syndrome depend on identifying and managing the underlying cause. While the symptoms themselves may not be harmful, the underlying cause can sometimes be life-threatening, such as a tumour or carotid artery dissection. Therefore, it is important to seek medical care to determine the root cause of the syndrome.
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The muscle's main function is to elevate the upper eyelid
The superior tarsal muscle, also known as the Müller muscle, is a small smooth muscle found within the superior eyelid. It is a structural component of the larger skeletal muscle of the eyelid, the levator palpebrae superioris. The superior tarsal muscle originates from the underside of the levator palpebrae superioris and inserts onto the superior tarsal plate of the eyelid.
The main function of the superior tarsal muscle is to elevate the upper eyelid. This muscle allows for the retraction and elevation of the upper eyelid, enabling a wider visual field. The elevation of the eyelid is particularly important in states of sympathetic predominance, such as excitement, fear, or surprise, which is also known as the fight-or-flight response.
The superior tarsal muscle receives its innervation from the sympathetic nervous system. Specifically, it is innervated by postganglionic sympathetic fibres that originate in the superior cervical ganglion. These fibres form the internal carotid plexus around the cervical segment of the internal carotid artery. The fibres then enter the skull and traverse the cavernous sinus before accessing the orbit. Finally, the nerve fibres innervate the superior tarsal muscle.
The superior tarsal muscle has a significant role in levator action, transmitting considerable power to the levator palpebrae superioris when elevating the eyelid. This synergistic interaction between the two muscles results in the elevation of the upper eyelid.
Injuries to the innervation of the superior tarsal muscle can result in a condition known as Horner Syndrome, characterised by partial ptosis (drooping of the upper eyelid), miosis (constricted pupil), and loss of hemifacial sweating (anhidrosis).
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Frequently asked questions
The superior tarsal muscle, also known as the Müller muscle, is a small smooth muscle that allows for the retraction and elevation of the upper eyelid.
The superior tarsal muscle is found within the superior eyelid. It originates on the underside of the levator palpebrae superioris muscle and inserts on the superior tarsal plate of the eyelid.
The superior tarsal muscle receives its innervation from the sympathetic nervous system, specifically the postganglionic sympathetic fibres that originate in the superior cervical ganglion.
The main function of the superior tarsal muscle is to elevate the upper eyelid in states of sympathetic predominance, such as excitement, fear, or surprise. This allows for a wider visual field in acute life-threatening situations, triggering the fight-or-flight response.
Injury or pathology of the cervical sympathetic chain can lead to reduced innervation of the superior tarsal muscle, resulting in a condition known as Horner Syndrome. Symptoms include ptosis (drooping of the upper eyelid), miosis (constricted pupil), and loss of hemifacial sweating (anhidrosis).
