Levator palpebrae superioris
Levator palpebrae superioris
- Latin synonym: Musculus levator palpebrae superioris
- Synonym: Levator palpebrae superioris muscle
- Related terms: Levator palpebrae superioris muscle
Definition
Levator palpebrae superioris muscle | |
Origin | Sphenoid bone |
Insertion | Tarsal plate, upper eyelid |
Artery | Ophthalmic artery |
Innervation | Oculomotor nerve |
Action | Retracts - Elevates eyelid |
Antagonist | Orbicularis oculi muscle |
The levator palpebrae superioris is a skeletal (striated) muscle in the superior part of the orbit that elevates the upper eyelid.
Origin and Insertion
Origin: From the lesser wing of the sphenoid bone, just superior to the optic canal.
Insertion: Its aponeurosis extends anteriorly to insert into the superior tarsus and the skin of the upper eyelid.
Nerve Supply
Somatic motor fibres from the oculomotor nerve (cranial nerve III).
Its superior portion (superior tarsal muscle, or Müller’s muscle) contains smooth muscle fibres supplied by postganglionic sympathetic fibres.
Action
Elevates the upper eyelid.
Clinical Note
Oculomotor nerve palsy causes complete ptosis (drooping of the upper eyelid).
Sympathetic interruption (as in Horner’s syndrome) leads to partial ptosis due to paralysis of Müller’s muscle
References
Gray, H. (2016) Gray’s Anatomy: The Anatomical Basis of Clinical Practice. 41st edn. Edited by S. Standring. New York: Elsevier. Chapter 41: Orbit and Accessory Visual Apparatus, p. 671-672.
Knight B, Fakoya AO, Lopez MJ, Patel BC. Anatomy, Head and Neck: Levator Palpebrae Superioris Muscle. 2024 May 7. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan–. PMID: 30725606.
