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Levator Palpebrae Superioris
Definition
The levator palpebrae superioris (latin for: elevating muscle of upper eyelid) is the muscle in the orbit that elevates the superior (upper) eyelid
Anatomy
Origin : lesser wing of the sphenoid bone, just above the optic foramen.
Becomes levator aponeurosis.
Inserts on the skin of the upper eyelid, as well as the superior tarsal plate.
It is a skeletal muscle.
The superior tarsal muscle, a smooth muscle, is attached to the levator palpebrae superioris, and the superior tarsal plate as well.
Innervation
Innervated by the superior division of the oculomotor nerve (Cranial Nerve III)
This is why when one looks upward, the eyelid tends to move up with it.
Smooth muscle, the superior tarsal muscle considered to be part of the levator palpebrae superioris.
Actions
The levator palpebrae superioris muscle elevates and retracts the upper eyelid.
