"Musculus rectus externus" is a Latin term used in anatomy to refer to the external rectus muscle of the eye. In terms of spelling, "musculus" is pronounced "mʊˈskjʊlʊs," while "rectus" is pronounced "ˈrɛktəs" and "externus" is pronounced "ɛksˈtərnəs." When pronounced together, the term sounds like "mʊˈskjʊlʊs ˈrɛktəs ɛksˈtərnəs." The correct spelling and pronunciation of medical terms like this one are crucial to ensure clear communication and understanding among healthcare professionals.
Musculus rectus externus, also known as the lateral rectus muscle, is an anatomical structure found in the human body. It is one of the extrinsic muscles of the eye and plays a significant role in eye movement and control.
The musculus rectus externus is a thin, elongated skeletal muscle situated on the lateral side of each eye. It arises from the common tendinous ring, which encircles the optic nerve, and extends horizontally towards its insertion point on the lateral surface of the eyeball. Specifically, it attaches to the sclera, the tough outer layer of the eye, at a point slightly behind the lateral margin of the cornea.
The main function of the musculus rectus externus is to move the eye outward, away from the midline of the body. When the muscle contracts, it causes the eyeball to rotate laterally, facilitating horizontal or side-to-side eye movements. This action is vital for processes like scanning visual scenes and tracking moving objects in the surrounding environment. It also helps coordinate binocular vision, allowing both eyes to work together when focusing on distant or nearby objects.
In summary, the musculus rectus externus is an extrinsic eye muscle responsible for moving the eye laterally. Its contraction produces outward eye movement and plays a crucial role in visual perception and coordination.
M. rectus lateralis.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.