Lateral rectus

Definition

The lateral rectus is a muscle in the eye that controls lateral movement, specifically responsible for moving the eyeball outwards, away from the nose. It is one of the six extraocular muscles that regulate eye movement.

Related terms

Somatic Nervous System:

The part of the peripheral nervous system associated with voluntary control of body movements via skeletal muscles.

Cranial Nerves:

Twelve pairs of nerves that emerge directly from the brain, with several playing essential roles in eye movement and function.

Abducens Nerve (Cranial Nerve VI): A cranial nerve that innervates the lateral rectus muscle, playing a crucial role in controlling its activity for lateral eye movements