Musculus rectus internus is a Latin term used in anatomy to refer to a specific muscle. The IPA phonetic transcription of the word is "ˈmʌskjʊləs ˈrɛktəs ˌɪntərnəs." The spelling of this word is based on the traditional Latin alphabet, which has distinct spelling rules and pronunciation. The word "musculus" means muscle, while "rectus" refers to being straight, and "internus" means internal. Therefore, the term musculus rectus internus describes a muscle that is straight and internal within the body.
Musculus rectus internus, commonly known as the medial rectus muscle, is one of the six extraocular muscles responsible for eye movements. It is located on the inside of the eye, next to the nose, and is attached to the sclera, the white outer covering of the eye. This muscle plays a significant role in controlling the movement of the eye towards the center of the face or medially.
The musculus rectus internus functions as an adductor, bringing the eye closer to the midline of the body. It works cohesively with the other extraocular muscles to ensure coordinated eye movements, enabling binocular vision and the ability to focus on objects located in different positions. Proper functioning of the medial rectus muscle allows for smooth, precise eye movements that facilitate activities such as reading, driving, and tracking moving objects.
Disorders or dysfunctions of the musculus rectus internus can lead to a variety of visual disturbances. Strabismus, commonly known as crossed eyes, can occur when there is an imbalance or weakness in the muscle, causing the eyes to deviate inward. This misalignment can disrupt binocular vision and result in double vision or other visual difficulties.
In summary, the musculus rectus internus is the medial rectus muscle responsible for moving the eye medially towards the midline of the face. It functions as an adductor and works in conjunction with other eye muscles to maintain proper eye alignment and coordinated movements.
M. rectus medialis.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.