Palpebral Part of Orbicularis Oculi Muscle
Pars palpebralis musculi orbicularis oculi
Read moreQuick Facts
Origin: Medial palpebral ligament.
Insertion: Lateral palpebral raphe.
Action: Closes eyelids.
Innervation: Temporal and zygomatic branches of facial nerve (CN VII).
Arterial Supply: Facial, superficial temporal, maxillary, and ophthalmic arteries.
Related parts of the anatomy
Origin
The orbicularis oculi muscle is a broad, flat muscle that encircles the orbit, thus forming a sphincter around each of the eye sockets. It may be divided into three portions:
—orbital part;
—palpebral part;
—lacrimal part.
The palpebral part originates from the medial palpebral ligament.
Insertion
The fibers of the palpebral part intertwine forming the lateral palpebral raphe, with bulk of its fibers located within the eyelid.
Key Features & Anatomical Relations
The palpebral part of the orbicularis oculi muscle is found within the upper and lower eyelids. Anteriorly is the skin of the eyelid and posteriorly are the orbital septum, tarsal plate, and palpebral conjunctiva, respectively.
Actions
The palpebral part of orbicularis oculi muscle gently closes the eyelid, for example when blinking (Standring, 2016).
List of Clinical Correlates
—Bell’s palsy
—Lagophthalmos
References
Standring, S. (2016) Gray's Anatomy: The Anatomical Basis of Clinical Practice. Gray's Anatomy Series 41st edn.: Elsevier Limited.
