superior oblique muscle
Quick Summary
The superior oblique muscle, also known as the trochlear muscle, is one of the six extraocular muscles that control eye movement. This muscle originates near the optic foramen and inserts via a tendon that passes through the trochlea, a pulley-like structure attached to the frontal bone.12
The superior oblique muscle primarily depresses the eye. However, due to its oblique pull, it also causes the eye to roll (torsion). It works in conjunction with the vertical rectus muscles, and while the superior rectus also elevates the gaze, both muscles cause some degree of inward rolling of the eye.1
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