Superior tarsal muscle

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Superior tarsal muscle
The tarsi and their ligaments. Right eye; front view. (Muscle not labeled but region is visible.)
Sagittal section of right orbital cavity. (Muscle not labeled but region is visible.)
Latin	musculus tarsalis superior
Origin:
Insertion:
Artery:
Nerve:
Action:
Dorlands/Elsevier	m_22/12551061

The superior tarsal muscle is a smooth muscle adjoining the levator palpebrae superioris muscle that helps to raise the upper eyelid.

Contents 1 Structure 2 Innervation 3 Actions 4 Pathology

[edit] Structure

The superior tarsal muscle originates on the levator palpebrae superioris and inserts on the superior tarsal plate of the eyelid.

[edit] Innervation

The superior tarsal muscle receives its innervation from the sympathetic nervous system on fibers carried along with the ophthalmic artery through the cavernous sinus. These postganglionic sympathetic fibers originate in the superior cervical ganglion.

[edit] Actions

The superior tarsal muscle works with the levator palpebrae superioris to raise the upper eyelid.

[edit] Pathology

Damage to some elements of the sympathetic nervous system can inhibit this muscle, causing a drooping eyelid (ptosis). This is seen in Horner's syndrome.