Medial rectus

The muscle responsible for controlling the movement of the eye towards the nose.

The medial rectus is one of the six extraocular muscles that control eye movements. It is specifically responsible for adducting the eye, meaning it pulls the eyeball inward toward the midline of the body. This muscle originates from the common tendinous ring located around the optic nerve at the back of the eye socket.

Terminologia Anatomica

musculus rectus medialis

System

Nervous system

Function

The primary function of the medial rectus is to facilitate horizontal eye movement, allowing for precise alignment of the visual field. This movement is crucial for binocular vision, which enhances depth perception by enabling both eyes to focus on a target simultaneously. The medial rectus plays a vital role in activities requiring coordination and attention, such as reading and tracking moving objects. Dysfunction or weakness in this muscle can lead to conditions like strabismus, where the eyes do not properly align, affecting visual clarity and coordination.

Location

The medial rectus muscle is located on the inner aspect of the eye socket, adjacent to the nose. It originates from the common tendinous ring at the back of the orbit and inserts onto the sclera, the white part of the eyeball. Its position allows it to effectively pull the eye towards the midline when it contracts. This unique location is essential for its function, as it not only influences direct eye movement but also interacts with the other extraocular muscles to help maintain stable binocular vision.

Did You Know?

The medial rectus muscle can exert a significant force; it is estimated that it can generate enough strength to move the eye quickly during visual tasks.
Coordination between the medial rectus and its opposing muscle, the lateral rectus, is essential for balanced eye movements.
The medial rectus is controlled by the oculomotor nerve, which also innervates several other muscles that contribute to eye movement.