Palpebral part of orbicularis oculi

The palpebral part of orbicularis oculi is the thin, pale portion of the orbicularis oculi muscle located within the upper and lower eyelids. It is primarily responsible for gentle closure of the eyelids,

Anatomical Description

1. Origin

From the medial palpebral ligament, which connects the tarsi of the eyelids to the medial orbital margin.

2. Insertion

Fibres pass laterally in concentric semi-circular curves, and interlace at the lateral palpebral raphe/ligament. The palpebral part forms a thin, elliptical sheet of muscle that lies anterior to the tarsal plates and the orbital septum, within the eyelids.

Innervation

Temporal and zygomatic branches of the facial nerve (cranial nerve VII).

Blood Supply

Facial, ophthalmic, and superficial temporal arteries, via palpebral branches.

Actions

• Produces gentle closure of the eyelids during blinking, sleeping, and reflex eye protection.

• Aids in tear film distribution and maintains corneal moisture.

Clinical Relevance

Facial nerve palsy (Bell’s palsy): causes loss of blinking and impaired tear film distribution, leading to dry eye.