MuscleFacial expression
Orbicularis oculi
Latin: M. orbicularis oculi
Location: Face
View the orbicularis oculi in 3DOrigin
Medial palpebral ligament, lacrimal bone and orbital rim (orbital part); around the lid margins (palpebral part).
Insertion
Concentric fibres returning to the origin — sphincteric closure of the lids.
Action
Closes the eyelids — the blink reflex and protective corneal shield; the lacrimal pump drains tears.
Nerve supply
Facial nerve (CN VII) — zygomatic and temporal branches.
Blood supply
Facial and superficial temporal arteries.
Clinical relevance
CN VII palsy leaves the eye open — exposure keratitis risk; blepharospasm dystonia over-squeezes it, treated with botulinum toxin.
Educational anatomy reference, not medical advice. About this content.