Superior oblique

The primary function of the superior oblique muscle is to facilitate depression, abduction, and internal rotation of the eye. This means that it helps the eye move downward and outward, while also allowing it to rotate inward. Such movements are essential for aligning the line of sight during various activities, from reading to tracking moving objects. Coordinated eye movement is crucial for depth perception and visual acuity. Dysfunction in the superior oblique can lead to double vision and challenges in depth perception, as the muscle plays a key role in controlling the positioning of the eyeballs during complex movements.

The superior oblique muscle is located in the orbit, which is the bony cavity that holds the eye. It originates at the body of the sphenoid bone, near the back of the orbit, and passes through a fibrous loop called the trochlea, which acts as a pulley. After passing through the trochlea, it extends forward and inserts on the sclera of the eye, specifically in the posterior superolateral quadrant. This unique placement allows it to exert force on the eyeball to achieve its range of motion.

• The superior oblique muscle is unique among the extraocular muscles because it is innervated by the trochlear nerve, which is the only cranial nerve that arises from the dorsal aspect of the brain.
• Individuals with superior oblique palsy may have difficulty with eye coordination, often leading to compensatory head tilting in an attempt to alleviate double vision.
• The function of the superior oblique muscle is crucial for ensuring that both eyes are aligned correctly, which helps in maintaining binocular vision.