Normal Anatomy and Anomalies of the Rectus Extraocular Muscles in Human: A Review of the Recent Data and Findings.

Robert Haładaj

doi:10.1155/2019/8909162

Abstract

Development of modern surgical techniques is associated with the need for a thorough knowledge of surgical anatomy and, in the case of ophthalmologic surgery, also functional aspects of extraocular muscles. Thus, the leading idea of this review was to summarize the most recent findings regarding the normal anatomy and anomalies of the extraocular rectus muscles (ERMs). Particular attention was paid to the presentation of detailed and structured data on the gross anatomy of the ERMs, including their attachments, anatomical relationships, vascularization, and innervation. This issue of ERMs innervation was presented in detail, considering the research that has recently been carried out on human material using advanced anatomical techniques such as Sihler's technique of the nerves staining. The text was supplemented with a carefully selected graphic material (including anatomical specimens prepared specially for the purpose of this review) and discussion of the clinical cases and practical significance of the presented issues.

Highlights

The statement of Farzavandi [1], who concluded that “An intimate knowledge of anatomy, including the extraocular muscles, periocular fascia, and orbit, is necessary to be an accomplished strabismus surgeon,” became a motto of the presented review
Development of modern surgical techniques is associated with the need for a thorough knowledge of surgical anatomy and, in the case of ophthalmologic surgery, functional aspects of extraocular muscles [1,2,3,4,5,6]
Particular attention was paid to the presentation of detailed and structured data on the gross anatomy of the extraocular rectus muscles (ERMs), including their attachments, measurements, anatomical relationships, vascularization, and innervation

Summary

Introduction

The statement of Farzavandi [1], who concluded that “An intimate knowledge of anatomy, including the extraocular muscles, periocular fascia, and orbit, is necessary to be an accomplished strabismus surgeon,” became a motto of the presented review. Particular attention was paid to the presentation of detailed and structured data on the gross anatomy of the ERMs, including their attachments, measurements, anatomical relationships, vascularization, and innervation. This issue of ERMs innervation was described in detail, including the recent research that has been carried out on human material using advanced anatomical techniques such as Sihler’s technique of the whole mount nerve staining [2,3,4,5,6]. The text was supplemented with a carefully selected graphic material (including anatomical specimens prepared specially for the purpose of this review) and discussion of the clinical cases and practical significance of the presented issues

Review of Anatomical Data Regarding ERMs

Basic Morphological Characteristics of Individual ERMs

Specific Innervation Pattern of ERMs

Findings

Summary