Quick Facts
The levator aponeurosis is the anterior extensions of the levator palpebrae superioris muscle. It aids in elevating the upper eyelid (Dorland, 2011).
Structure and/or Key Feature(s)
Anteriorly, the tendon of levator palpebrae superioris broadens and thins to form the levator aponeurosis. This aponeurosis has been described as bilaminar, with superficial and deep laminae.
The fibers of the superficial lamina diverge and pass through the orbicularis oculi muscle and attach to the upper eyelid. Fibers from the deep lamina attach to the anterior surface of the superior tarsal plate of the upper eyelid. These fibers are accompanied by smooth muscle fibers from the superior tarsal muscle.
Function
The levator aponeurosis transmits the contractions of the levator palpebrae superioris muscle to elevate the upper eyelid. It works in opposition to the normal pull of gravity and the palpebral part of the orbicularis oculi muscle, which close the eyelids (Anderson and Beard, 1977).
List of Clinical Correlates
—Ptosis
References
Anderson, R. L. and Beard, C. (1977) 'The levator aponeurosis. Attachments and their clinical significance', Arch Ophthalmol, 95(8), pp. 1437-41.
Dorland, W. (2011) Dorland's Illustrated Medical Dictionary. 32nd edn. Philadelphia, USA: Elsevier Saunders.
