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Book

Anatomy, Head and Neck: Orbicularis Oculi Muscle

John Tong, Michael J. Lopez  1 , Adegbenro O. Fakoya  2 , Bhupendra C. Patel  3
In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan.
.
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Book

Anatomy, Head and Neck: Orbicularis Oculi Muscle

John Tong et al.
Free Books & Documents

Excerpt

The orbicularis oculi muscle, situated just beneath the eyelid skin, is crucial in eyelid movement (see Image. Muscles of the Head, Face, and Neck). This muscle extends from the medial to the lateral canthal region, enhancing the eyelid's structural integrity and functionality. The orbicularis oculi is a sphincter-like muscle arranged concentrically around the upper and lower eyelids. The main function of the muscle is to close the eyelids, and it also assists with tear drainage. The orbicularis oculi has orbital and palpebral sections, each further subdivided to meet specific functional demands.

The orbicularis oculi is a facial expression muscle that may be affected by conditions such as Bell Palsy and blepharospasm. Botulinum toxin injections target this muscle to smooth dynamic periorbital wrinkles. Understanding the orbicularis oculi's normal anatomy and function is essential in treating various eye and cosmetic conditions.

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Conflict of interest statement

Disclosure: John Tong declares no relevant financial relationships with ineligible companies.

Disclosure: Michael Lopez declares no relevant financial relationships with ineligible companies.

Disclosure: Adegbenro Fakoya declares no relevant financial relationships with ineligible companies.

Disclosure: Bhupendra Patel declares no relevant financial relationships with ineligible companies.

References

    1. Choi Y, Kang HG, Nam YS, Kang JG, Kim IB. Facial Nerve Supply to the Orbicularis Oculi around the Lower Eyelid: Anatomy and Its Clinical Implications. Plast Reconstr Surg. 2017 Aug;140(2):261-271. - PubMed
    1. Pottier F, El-Shazly NZ, El-Shazly AE. Aging of orbicularis oculi: anatomophysiologic consideration in upper blepharoplasty. Arch Facial Plast Surg. 2008 Sep-Oct;10(5):346-9. - PubMed
    1. Bergeron CM, Moe KS. The evaluation and treatment of upper eyelid paralysis. Facial Plast Surg. 2008 May;24(2):220-30. - PubMed
    1. Gao Q, Yang Z, Ma N, Chen S, Qu SW, Luo SS, Guo YL, Li YQ. Blood Supply of the Temporal Flap Pedicled With Orbicularis Oculi Muscle: Anatomy and Its Clinical Implications. 2023 Jul-Aug 01J Craniofac Surg. 34(5):1580-1583. - PubMed
    1. Sand JP, Zhu BZ, Desai SC. Surgical Anatomy of the Eyelids. Facial Plast Surg Clin North Am. 2016 May;24(2):89-95. - PubMed

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