MuscleExtraocular muscles
Superior rectus
Latin: M. rectus superior
Location: Head
View the superior rectus in 3DOrigin
Common tendinous ring at the optic canal.
Insertion
Sclera anterior to the equator (superior surface).
Action
Elevates, adducts and intorts the eye.
Nerve supply
Oculomotor nerve (CN III) — superior division.
Blood supply
Ophthalmic artery.
Clinical relevance
Its weakness or overaction causes vertical strabismus; Brown syndrome (a tight superior oblique tendon) mimics its weakness by limiting elevation in adduction.
Educational anatomy reference, not medical advice. About this content.