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The levator palpebrae superioris muscle, also known as the elevating muscle of the upper eyelid, is the muscle responsible for raising the eyelid. It originates from the inferior surface of the lesser wing of the sphenoid bone, just above the optic foramen. The levator palpebrae superioris muscle is innervated by the oculomotor nerve, which controls the movement and position of the eyelid. Damage to this nerve can result in ptosis, or drooping of the eyelid. The eyelid also contains the orbicularis oculi muscle, which is involved in gently closing the eyelids, draining tears, and tightly closing the eyelids.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | Levator palpebrae superioris |
| Location | Orbit |
| Function | Elevates the upper eyelid |
| Blood supply | Muscular branches and the supraorbital artery |
| Blood drainage | Superior ophthalmic vein |
| Innervation | Superior division of the oculomotor nerve |
| Nerve type | Cranial motor nerve 3 |
| Nerve impairment | Ptosis (eyelid drooping) |
| Nerve injury | Drooping eyelid and dilated pupil |
| Muscle type | Skeletal |
| Muscle origin | Lesser wing of the sphenoid bone |
| Muscle insertion | Skin of the upper eyelid and superior tarsal plate |
| Related muscles | Superior tarsal muscle, Müller's muscle, frontalis muscle |
| Related conditions | Blepharospasm, Horner's syndrome, oculosympathetic palsy |
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What You'll Learn
The levator palpebrae superioris muscle elevates the upper eyelid
The levator palpebrae superioris muscle is a skeletal muscle of the face that is responsible for elevating and retracting the upper eyelid. The name of this muscle in Latin is "elevating muscle of upper eyelid", which is a clear indication of its function. This muscle originates from the inferior surface of the lesser wing of the sphenoid bone, just above the optic foramen. It then broadens and decreases in thickness, becoming the levator aponeurosis. This portion inserts on the skin of the upper eyelid, as well as the superior tarsal plate. The superior tarsal muscle, a smooth muscle, is attached to the levator palpebrae superioris, and inserts on the superior tarsal plate as well.
The levator palpebrae superioris muscle is innervated by the oculomotor nerve (CN III), which is one of the cranial nerves. The oculomotor nerve controls the movement and position of the eyelid, along with the trochlear and abducens nerves. These three nerves constitute the extraocular muscle system, responsible for moving the eyes in parallel to provide normal conjugate gaze. The levator palpebrae superioris muscle receives its blood supply from branches of the ophthalmic artery, specifically the muscular branches and the supraorbital artery. Blood is drained into the superior ophthalmic vein.
Damage to the levator palpebrae superioris muscle or its innervation can cause ptosis, which is the drooping of the eyelid. Ptosis can also be caused by damage to the adjoining superior tarsal muscle or its sympathetic innervation. Horner's syndrome, for example, is a condition that presents as partial ptosis due to damage to the sympathetic supply. It is important to distinguish between ptosis caused by damage to the levator palpebrae superioris muscle and that caused by nerve damage, as the treatment and management of the condition will differ.
To strengthen the levator palpebrae superioris muscle and relieve bothersome eyelid twitching, targeted eyelid exercises can be performed. One such exercise involves closing the eyelids tightly for ten seconds, then opening the eyes as wide as possible and holding for another ten seconds. Alternating between these two positions for ten sets daily can help improve muscle strength and function.
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Ptosis is the drooping of the upper eyelid
The levator palpebrae superioris muscle is responsible for elevating the upper eyelid. It originates from the inferior surface of the lesser wing of the sphenoid bone, just above the optic foramen. Damage to this muscle or its innervation can cause ptosis. Lesions in CN III can also cause ptosis, as the levator palpebrae superioris muscle receives motor innervation from the superior division of the oculomotor nerve.
Horner's syndrome is a condition that can result in partial ptosis due to damage to the sympathetic supply. It is important to distinguish between ptosis caused by Horner's syndrome and that caused by damage to the levator palpebrae superioris muscle, as the treatment options may differ.
Treatment options for ptosis include surgery, where the doctor may remove excess skin and tuck or strengthen the muscle that lifts the eyelid. In some cases, glasses with a special crutch built in can be worn to lift the eyelids and improve vision. For children with ptosis, doctors may treat amblyopia, or "lazy eye," with drops, patches, or glasses, and monitor the eye to determine if surgery is needed later in life.
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The superior tarsal muscle is a smooth muscle
The superior tarsal muscle is a thin layer of smooth muscle associated with the superior tarsal plate. It is also known as Müller's muscle. The superior tarsal muscle originates on the underside of the levator palpebrae superioris muscle, which is the muscle that elevates the upper eyelid. The superior tarsal muscle then inserts onto the superior tarsal plate of the eyelid.
The superior tarsal muscle is innervated by the sympathetic nervous system. Postganglionic sympathetic fibres originate in the superior cervical ganglion and travel via the internal carotid plexus, where small branches communicate with the oculomotor nerve as it passes through the cavernous sinus. The sympathetic fibres continue to the superior division of the oculomotor nerve, where they enter the superior tarsal muscle on its inferior aspect.
The role of the superior tarsal muscle is not entirely clear, but it is believed to be an accessory muscle to raise the upper eyelid. Contraction of the superior tarsal muscle aids in elevating the eyelid and maximally widening the palpebral fissure.
Damage to the superior tarsal muscle or its innervation can cause ptosis, or drooping of the eyelid. This can also be caused by damage to the adjoining levator palpebrae superioris muscle. It is important to distinguish between these two causes of ptosis, as they are very different. However, this can usually be done clinically without issue, as each type of ptosis is accompanied by other distinct clinical findings.
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The oculomotor nerve controls the eyelid muscle
The oculomotor nerve is a pair of nerves that carry command signals to the muscles that control eye movement. It is responsible for most of the signals that tell the eyes how and when to move. The oculomotor nerve is one of three nerves responsible for controlling the muscles that move the eye. It is also one of twelve cranial nerves that originate in the brain and brainstem.
The oculomotor nerve controls important muscles in the eye, including the eyelid muscle. The eyelid muscle is defined as a muscle innervated by the oculomotor nerve, which is responsible for controlling the movement and position of the eyelid. The levator palpebrae superioris muscle, which originates from the undersurface of the sphenoid bone, elevates the upper eyelid. It receives motor innervation from the superior division of the oculomotor nerve.
The oculomotor nerve also supplies the muscle of the upper eyelid and the constrictor of the pupil. When the oculomotor nerve is damaged, the eye is pulled laterally and downwards, resulting in a drooping eyelid and a dilated pupil. Oculomotor nerve impairment is a common condition that can lead to a distinctive constellation of symptoms, including a dilated pupil, ptosis (drooping of the upper eyelid), and outward deviation of the eye.
Damage to the levator palpebrae superioris muscle or its innervation can also cause ptosis, as the eyelid droops without stimulation from the oculomotor nerve. Ptosis can result from damage to the adjoining superior tarsal muscle or its sympathetic innervation. Horner's syndrome, a condition characterised by partial ptosis, is an example of damage to the sympathetic supply.
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The orbicularis oculi muscle has three parts
The orbicularis oculi muscle is a facial muscle that participates in the protection of the eyes and ocular reflexes. It is a flat, broad muscle that forms an ellipse around the circumference of the orbit. The main function of the muscle is to close the eyelids, and it also assists with tear drainage. The muscle extends between three bones of the viscerocranium (frontal bone, maxilla, lacrimal bone) and the soft tissue structures of the periorbital region.
The three parts of the orbicularis oculi muscle are the orbital, palpebral, and deep palpebral parts, each with its own specific set of attachments. The orbital part originates from the nasal part of the frontal bone, the frontal process of the maxilla, and the medial palpebral ligament. It overlays the orbital rim and encircles the orbit, with its fibres blending with adjacent muscles. The palpebral part originates from the superficial surface of the medial palpebral ligament, with its fibres composing the eyelids as they travel towards the lateral commissure of the eye. The deep palpebral part, also known as the lacrimal part, originates from the lacrimal bone.
The orbital part of the orbicularis oculi muscle is responsible for the forceful closure of the eyelids. It attaches to the anterior limb of the medial canthal tendon and the surrounding periosteum, as well as connecting to the lateral palpebral raphe. The palpebral part is crucial for both voluntary and involuntary blinking and is subdivided into the preseptal, pretarsal, and ciliary sections. The preseptal section, for instance, plays a role in the lacrimal drainage system, while the pretarsal section attaches to the posterior lacrimal crest. The lacrimal portion of the orbicularis oculi muscle draws the eyelids medially, aiding in tear drainage by compressing the lacrimal sac.
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Frequently asked questions
The levator palpebrae superioris muscle is responsible for raising the upper eyelid.
This muscle elevates and retracts the upper eyelid. It is innervated by the oculomotor nerve.
Damage to this muscle or its innervation can cause ptosis, or drooping of the upper eyelid.
To strengthen this muscle, you can perform targeted eyelid exercises. For example, close your eyelids tightly for 10 seconds, then open your eyes as wide as possible and hold for another 10 seconds. Repeat this sequence 10 times.
