Musculus retractor anguli oculi lateralis
The retractor of the eye angle is a small muscle at the lateral canthus of the eye. It originates from the frontal bone near the zygomatic process and inserts on the lateral palpebral ligament and skin of the lateral canthus. Its action is to retract the lateral angle of the eye. It is innervated by the auriculopalpebral branch of the facial nerve (cranial nerve VII). It is part of the EquiFACS facial action coding system used for pain assessment; tension in this region can indicate discomfort.
Origin: Frontal bone near the zygomatic process
Insertion: Lateral palpebral ligament and skin of the lateral canthus
Action: Retracts the lateral angle of the eye
Innervation: Auriculopalpebral branch of facial nerve (CN VII)
Relevant in facial expression and pain assessment. Isolated injury is uncommon. Dysfunction can occur with facial nerve damage.
## Overview Pain-related orbital tightening is increased tension around the eye that makes it appear more triangular, with exposed sclera and wrinkled skin at the corners. It is a key component of th
Persistent tension or asymmetry around the lateral canthus with other signs of discomfort should be evaluated.
## Overview Pain-related orbital tightening is increased tension around the eye that makes it appear more triangular, with exposed sclera and wrinkled skin at the corners. It is a key component of the Horse Grimace Scale and reflects systemic or localized pain. It is often seen together with tense nostrils and drawn-back lips. ## What It Indicates Pain. ## Diagnosis Visual assessment. Rule out primary eye disease. ## Treatment Treat the underlying pain. ## Recovery and Prognosis Resolves with effective analgesia. ## Prevention Early pain recognition and treatment. Signs include: tightened angular appearance around the eye; exposed sclera; wrinkled skin at eye corners; tense nostrils and drawn-back lips
Relevant in facial expression and pain assessment. Isolated injury is uncommon. Dysfunction can occur with facial nerve damage.
Persistent tension or asymmetry around the lateral canthus with other signs of discomfort should be evaluated.
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