
The orbicularis oculi muscle, situated just beneath the skin of the eyelids, is responsible for eyelid movement and closure. It is a sphincter-like muscle arranged concentrically around the upper and lower eyelids, and is subdivided into the palpebral, lacrimal and orbital parts. The levator palpebrae superioris and superior tarsal muscles are also involved in opening the eyelid, and are only present in the upper eyelid. The eyelids are supplied by three cranial nerves (III, V, VII) and sympathetic nerve fibres, with the cranial nerve VII innervating the orbicularis oculi muscle.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Main eyelid muscles | Orbicularis oculi, Levator palpebrae superioris, Superior tarsal, Muller's, Frontalis |
| Orbicularis oculi function | Closes eyelids, assists with tear drainage, and is important for facial expression |
| Orbicularis oculi parts | Palpebral, Lacrimal, Orbital |
| Levator palpebrae superioris function | Maintains the normal position of the upper eyelid, opens the eyelid |
| Tarsal plates | Superior tarsus (upper eyelid), Inferior tarsus (lower eyelid) |
| Tarsal plates function | Form the scaffolding of the eyelid |
| Tarsal plates composition | Dense connective tissue |
| Tarsal plates contain | Meibomian glands, eyelash follicles |
| Meibomian glands function | Secrete an oily substance onto the eye to slow the evaporation of the eye's tear film and prevent eyelids from sticking together |
| Number of Meibomian glands | Approximately 30 in the upper eyelid, 20 in the lower eyelid |
| Number of eyelashes in upper lid | Approximately 100 |
| Innervation | Cranial nerve VII (facial nerve), Cranial nerve III (oculomotor nerve), Sympathetic nerve fibers |
| Cranial nerve VII innervates | Orbicularis oculi, Frontalis, Procerus, Corrugator supercilii |
| Cranial nerve III innervates | Levator palpebrae superioris, Inferior rectus muscle |
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What You'll Learn
- The orbicularis oculi muscle is the main protractor muscle for closing the eyelids
- The levator palpebrae superioris muscle maintains the normal position of the upper eyelid
- The palpebral part of the orbicularis oculi muscle gently closes the eyelids
- The orbital part of the orbicularis oculi muscle tightly closes the eyelids
- The oculomotor nerve innervates the levator palpebrae superioris muscle

The orbicularis oculi muscle is the main protractor muscle for closing the eyelids
The eyelids are controlled by a number of different muscles, including the levator palpebrae superioris, Müller's muscle, and the frontalis muscles. The main protractor muscle responsible for closing the eyelids is the orbicularis oculi muscle. This muscle is situated just beneath the skin of the eyelid and extends from the medial to the lateral canthal region. It is a sphincter-like muscle arranged concentrically around the upper and lower eyelids.
The orbicularis oculi muscle has three distinct parts: palpebral, lacrimal, and orbital. The palpebral part gently closes the eyelids, the lacrimal part is involved in the drainage of tears, and the orbital part tightly closes the eyelids. The palpebral and preseptal segments are responsible for involuntary eyelid closure (blinking), while the orbital segment is primarily responsible for voluntary/forced eyelid closure. The preseptal and pretarsal parts of the palpebral orbicularis oculi contract during blinking or eyelid closure, compressing the small channels that drain tears from the eye's surface to the lacrimal sac. This simultaneous action also pulls the lacrimal sac forward and laterally, creating a negative pressure that ensures tears pass down the nasolacrimal duct toward the nasal cavity.
The orbital portion of the orbicularis oculi attaches to the anterior limb of the medial canthal tendon and the surrounding periosteum medially, and connects to the lateral palpebral raphe laterally. The muscle is innervated by the facial nerve (CNVII) and the temporal and zygomatic branches of the facial nerve supply the orbicularis oculi. The orbicularis oculi is a facial expression muscle that may be affected by conditions such as Bell Palsy and blepharospasm. It is also the target of botulinum toxin injections, which smooth out dynamic periorbital wrinkles.
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The levator palpebrae superioris muscle maintains the normal position of the upper eyelid
The eyelids are controlled by a combination of muscles, including the levator palpebrae superioris, orbicularis oculi, and superior tarsal muscles. The levator palpebrae superioris muscle is responsible for maintaining the normal position of the upper eyelid. This muscle, along with the superior tarsal muscle, is only present in the upper eyelid and acts to open the eyelid. The aponeurosis of the levator muscle attaches to the anterior surface and the superior edge of the superior tarsal plate, with minor contributions from Müller's and the frontalis muscles.
The eyelid position is primarily dependent on the resting tone of the levator muscles, which varies according to the individual's state of arousal. For example, when a person is alert, their palpebral fissures are wider than when they are relaxed. The levator palpebrae superioris muscle is innervated by the oculomotor nerve (cranial nerve III), which controls the eyelid retractors. This nerve also innervates the inferior rectus muscle, contributing to lower eyelid retraction during downgaze.
The orbicularis oculi muscle is situated just beneath the eyelid skin and is crucial for eyelid movement. It extends from the medial to the lateral canthal region, enhancing the structural integrity and functionality of the eyelid. This muscle has three distinct parts: palpebral, lacrimal, and orbital. The palpebral part is responsible for gently closing the eyelids, while the lacrimal part is involved in tear drainage. The orbital part of the muscle facilitates the forceful closure of the eyelids.
The orbicularis oculi muscle interacts with the nasolacrimal duct system to facilitate tear drainage. During blinking or eyelid closure, the preseptal and pretarsal parts of the palpebral orbicularis oculi contract, compressing the small channels that drain tears from the eye's surface to the lacrimal sac. This action also pulls the lacrimal sac forward and laterally, creating a negative pressure that ensures tears are drawn down into the nasal cavity.
In summary, the levator palpebrae superioris muscle plays a key role in maintaining the normal position of the upper eyelid, while the orbicularis oculi muscle is responsible for eyelid movement and closure, as well as tear drainage. These muscles work together to ensure the proper functioning and protection of the eyelids and eyes.
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The palpebral part of the orbicularis oculi muscle gently closes the eyelids
The orbicularis oculi muscle is a sphincter-like muscle that surrounds the eyes and is located just under the skin. It is involved in eyelid movement and facial expressions. The muscle has three distinct parts: palpebral, lacrimal, and orbital.
The palpebral part of the orbicularis oculi muscle is responsible for the gentle closure of the eyelids. It originates from the superficial surface of the medial palpebral ligament and inserts into the lateral palpebral ligament. The superior and inferior fibres of the palpebral part unite and insert into the lateral palpebral ligament (raphe). The contraction of the palpebral part results in finer control of the eyelids, pulling the upper eyelids down and raising the lower ones. This action leads to the gentle closure of the eyelids, such as during blinking or sleep. The palpebral part can also act involuntarily to close the eyelids as a reflex mechanism.
The lacrimal part of the orbicularis oculi is involved in tear drainage. It originates from the lateral surface and lacrimal crest (superior part) of the lacrimal bone. Some fibres of the lacrimal part insert into the superior and inferior tarsi of the eyelids, while others continue past the tarsi to insert into the lateral palpebral ligament. The lacrimal part helps facilitate the tear pump into the lacrimal sac and aids in the drainage of tears from the eye's surface.
The orbital part of the orbicularis oculi is responsible for the tight closure of the eyelids. It attaches to the anterior limb of the medial canthal tendon and the surrounding periosteum medially. Laterally, this part connects to the lateral palpebral raphe. The contraction of the orbital part draws the skin of the forehead and cheeks towards the nose, providing protection to the eyes from potential damaging factors such as bright light or blowing dust.
The orbicularis oculi muscle works in conjunction with other muscles and structures to maintain ocular health and facilitate various functions. For example, the muscle interacts with the nasolacrimal duct system to drain tears and prevent their buildup. Additionally, the muscle's contraction during blinking or eyelid closure compresses the small channels (canaliculi) that drain tears, creating a negative pressure that facilitates tear passage down the nasolacrimal duct toward the nasal cavity.
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The orbital part of the orbicularis oculi muscle tightly closes the eyelids
The eyelids are controlled by a combination of muscles, nerves, and ligaments. The orbicularis oculi muscle, situated just beneath the skin of the eyelids, is crucial for eyelid movement. It extends from the medial to the lateral canthal region, enhancing the structural integrity and functionality of the eyelids. The main function of the orbicularis oculi muscle is to close the eyelids, with the palpebral part gently closing the eyelids and the orbital part tightly closing them. The muscle also assists with tear drainage.
The orbicularis oculi muscle has three distinct parts: palpebral, lacrimal, and orbital. It originates from the medial orbital margin, the medial palpebral ligament, and the lacrimal bone, inserting into the skin around the margin of the orbit and the superior and inferior tarsal plates. The tarsal plates, composed of dense connective tissue, form the scaffolding of the eyelids. The superior tarsus (upper eyelid) acts as the attachment site of the levator palpebrae superioris, which, along with the superior tarsal muscle, is responsible for opening the eyelid.
The orbital part of the orbicularis oculi muscle is primarily responsible for the voluntary, forceful closure of the eyelids. It attaches medially to the anterior limb of the medial canthal tendon and the surrounding periosteum, and laterally to the lateral palpebral raphe. This muscle segment interdigitates with neighbouring muscles, including the frontalis, making it integral to facial expression. The preseptal and pretarsal parts of the palpebral orbicularis oculi contract during blinking or eyelid closure, compressing the small channels that drain tears from the eye's surface to the lacrimal sac (canaliculi).
The levator palpebrae superioris muscle, along with minor contributions from Müller's and the frontalis muscles, maintains the normal position of the upper eyelid. The aponeurosis of the levator muscle attaches to the anterior surface and the superior edge of the superior tarsal plate. The frontalis receives fibres from the facial nerve, while Müller's muscle is innervated by oculosympathetic neurons. The levator palpebrae superioris is innervated by the oculomotor nerve (cranial nerve III), which also innervates the inferior rectus muscle, contributing to lower eyelid retraction.
The eyelids receive innervation from three cranial nerves (III, V, VII) and sympathetic nerve fibres. The facial nerve (cranial nerve VII) innervates the orbicularis oculi, frontalis, procerus, and corrugator supercilii muscles, supporting eyelid protraction. The oculomotor nerve (cranial nerve III) innervates the levator palpebrae superioris, the main upper eyelid retractor.
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The oculomotor nerve innervates the levator palpebrae superioris muscle
The eyelids are controlled by a combination of muscles, including the orbicularis oculi muscle and the levator palpebrae superioris muscle. The former is situated just beneath the eyelid skin and is crucial for eyelid movement and facial expressions, while the latter is responsible for elevating the upper eyelid.
The levator palpebrae superioris muscle is innervated by the oculomotor nerve, specifically the superior division of the oculomotor nerve (CN III). This nerve sends signals to the muscle, allowing it to contract and relax, ultimately controlling the movement of the eyelid. The oculomotor nerve is a cranial nerve that plays a crucial role in eye movement and function.
The levator palpebrae superioris muscle is an extraocular muscle located in the bony orbit above the eyeball. It originates from the inferior surface of the lesser wing of the sphenoid bone, just above the optic foramen. This muscle aids in elevating the upper eyelid, allowing for an unhindered upward gaze. The muscle works in conjunction with the superior rectus muscle, as their fascial sheaths are fused via a check ligament.
The main actions of the levator palpebrae superioris muscle include the retraction and elevation of the superior eyelid, as well as the widening of the palpebral fissure. This muscle is innervated by the oculomotor nerve, which provides the stimulus required for these actions. The muscle receives arterial blood supply from the internal carotid artery, specifically through the ophthalmic artery and its supraorbital branch.
Damage to the levator palpebrae superioris muscle or its innervation by the oculomotor nerve can result in ptosis, or drooping of the eyelid. This occurs because without stimulation from the oculomotor nerve, the muscle cannot oppose the force of gravity, leading to eyelid drooping. Therefore, the proper functioning of the oculomotor nerve is essential for maintaining the tone and position of the eyelid.
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Frequently asked questions
The orbicularis oculi muscle, located just under the skin, is the main muscle responsible for eyelid movement and
The orbicularis oculi muscle has three distinct parts: palpebral, lacrimal and orbital. The palpebral part gently closes the eyelids, the lacrimal part is involved in the drainage of tears, and the orbital part tightly closes the eyelids.
The levator palpebrae superioris and superior tarsal muscles are responsible for opening the eyelid. The levator palpebrae superioris muscle also maintains the normal position of the upper eyelid.
The eyelid is supplied by three cranial nerves (III, V, VII) and sympathetic nerve fibres. The cranial nerve VII, or facial nerve, innervates the orbicularis oculi muscle, while the cranial nerve III, or oculomotor nerve, innervates the levator palpebrae superioris muscle.


























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