The correct spelling of the muscle located in the superior part of the eye is "musculus rectus superior." The word "musculus" is pronounced as /mʊsˈkjuːləs/ and means muscle, while "rectus" is pronounced as /ˈrɛktəs/ and means straight. "Superior" is pronounced as /suːˈpɪərɪə/ and means upper. Therefore, "musculus rectus superior" refers to the straight upper eye muscle. Proper spelling of medical terms is essential, and understanding the IPA phonetic transcription can help clarify their pronunciation.
Musculus rectus superior, also known as the superior rectus muscle, is a term used in anatomy to describe one of the six extraocular muscles of the eye. It is located in the anterior part of the eye and is responsible for various movements and positioning of the eyeball.
The musculus rectus superior is a relatively large, spindle-shaped muscle that originates from a tendinous ring called the annulus of Zinn. It runs anteriorly from its origin and attaches to the superior surface of the eyeball near the cornea. The muscle is innervated by the superior division of the oculomotor nerve (cranial nerve III).
The main function of the musculus rectus superior is to elevate the eye in an upward direction. It is responsible for movements such as upward gaze and intorsion (rotation of the eye inward). Additionally, it assists in stabilizing the eye when the head moves, helping to maintain focus on a specific target.
Abnormalities or dysfunctions of the musculus rectus superior can lead to various eye disorders and visual impairments, such as strabismus (crossed eyes) or hypertropia (abnormal vertical deviation of the eye).
Overall, the musculus rectus superior plays a crucial role in the coordinated movements of the eye, contributing to the complex mechanism that enables humans to have binocular vision and perceive the world around them.
Origin, upper margin of the optic foramen and fibrous sheath of the optic nerve; insertion, sclerotic coat of the eye; nerve supply, oculomotorius; action, moves the eyeball upward.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.