Extraocular muscles

Definition

Extraocular muscles are six muscles located around each eye that control its movements and allow the eye to track objects in different directions. They are crucial for maintaining binocular vision, enabling the brain to merge images from both eyes into a single, three-dimensional view.

Related terms

Binocular Vision: The ability of the visual system to perceive a single three-dimensional image of its surroundings by integrating two slightly different images from each eye.

Cranial Nerves: Nerves that emerge directly from the brain (including the brainstem), some of which are responsible for innervating the extraocular muscles.

Saccades: Rapid and simultaneous movements of both eyes in the same direction to shift the line of sight, allowing for quick focusing on various points in space