Orbicularis Oculi Muscle

STRUCTURE AND POSITION :

Orbicularis Oculi is a circular thin muscle. It is present around both the eyes.
It is further divided into palpebral, lacrimal and ocular portions. Palpebral portion is thin and pale while ocular is more thick and reddish in color. Lacrimal part is small and thin.

ATTACHMENTS :

Orbicularis Oculi Muscle has following origins and insertions.

Origin : Ocular part arises from the Frontal and adjacent Maxillary bone. Palpebral part has its origin from the Medial Palpebral Ligament and adjacent bone. Lacrimal Portion arises from the Lacrimal Bone present medially.
Insertion : Ocular part of the Orbicularis Oculi muscle blend with the adjacent muscles. around the Orbit. Palpebral part surrounds the Eyelids and superior and inferior fibres blend into each other on lateral edge of the Eye. Lacrimal part is inserted into the adjacent muscles and sends fibre to the Superior Tarsi of the Eye.

BLOOD SUPPLY :

Orbicularis Oculi Muscle gets its blood from the branches of the Facial Artery, Superficial Temporal Artery and Ophthalmic Artery.

NERVE SUPPLY :

Orbicularis Oculi is innervated on each side by Temporal and Zygomatic branches of the Facial Nerve.

ACTION :

Orbicularis Oculi is the muscle involved in the Reflex Blinking of the Eye. It also helps in forceful closure of the eyes and expression of tears.

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