Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Variations and anomalies of the human orbital muscles

Variations et anomalies des muscles orbitaires humains

  • Anatomic Variations
  • Published:
Surgical and Radiologic Anatomy Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Summary

The purpose of the study is to describe some rare and hitherto unreported uni- and bilateral anomalies of the orbital rectus muscles (duplication, triplication, accessory bellies, interrectal muscular bridges, false insertion) which were found by chance during the dissections of three cadavers (one adult, two fetuses). The levator palpebrae superioris muscles in the same specimens exhibited some variations (medial and lateral muscular slips) and anomalies (bipartite and unipartite levator). Cross-sections of interrectal bridges in the orbit of an adult were investigated histologically. Numerous nerves were distributed in the interstitium; groups of lipofuscin granules were found in all the myocytes. An attempt is made to explain these anomalies and variations through consideration of developmental and comparative anatomy. The relevance of these anomalies in coronal sections such as those acquired from CT and MRI is discussed.

Résumé

L'objet de cette étude est de décrire quelques anomalies uni et bilatérales des muscles droits orbitaires rares et jusqu'ici non rapportées (duplication, triplication, corps musculaires accessoires, ponts musculaires entre les muscles droits, fausse insertion) qui ont été trouvées par hasard au cours de dissections de 3 cadavres (un adulte et deux foetus). Les muscles releveurs de la paupière de ces individus présentaient quelques variations (bandelettes musculaires médiale et latérale) et anomalies (releveur dédoublé et unique). Des coupes des ponts intermusculaires de l'orbite d'un adulte ont été étudiées histologiquement. Un grand nombre de nerfs est distribué dans l'interstitium ; des groupes de granules de lipofuscine ont été retrouvés dans tous les myocytes. Une tentative pour expliquer les anomalies et les variations à partir de considérations sur l'anatomie développementale et comparative est faite. On cosidèrera également comment ces anomalies peuvent apparaître dans des coupes coronales telles que celles obtenues par CT scanner et IRM.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  1. Aubaret E (1909) cited by SE Whitnall (1921) [54]

    Google Scholar 

  2. Bochdalek VA (1868) cited by SE Whitnall (1921) [54] and M Yamada et al (1973) [58]

  3. Böhme G (1992) Das Auge. In: Lehrbuch der Anatomie der Hausiere, Bd. IV, 3. Aufl., Nickel R, Schummer A, Seiferle E (eds), Paul Paray, Hamburg, Berlin, pp 430–432

    Google Scholar 

  4. Bradley OC (1933) M. retractor bulbi (oculi) in carnivora and ungulata. J Anat (London) 68: 65–74

    Google Scholar 

  5. Bron J, Tripathi RC, Tripathi BJ (eds) (1997) Wolff's Anatomy of the eye and the orbit, 8th ed., Chapman & Hall London, pp 107–177

    Google Scholar 

  6. Budge 1859, cited by S.E. Whitnall (1921) [54], G. Isomura (1977) [26] and Fujita (1938) [21]

  7. Budras KD, Fricke W, Richter R (eds) (1996) Atlas der Anatomie des Hundes. 5. Aufl, Schlütersche, Hannover, pp 98 & 132.

    Google Scholar 

  8. Cahill DR., Orland MJ, Reading CC (1990) Atlas of human cross-sectional anatomy, 2nd ed., Wiley-Liss, New York, pp 215–223

    Google Scholar 

  9. Cords E (1924) Zur Frage des M. retractor bulbi der Säuger. Z Anat 71: 240–260

    Google Scholar 

  10. Corning HK (1902) Über die vergleichende Anatomie der Augenmuskulatur. Morph Jb 29: 94–140

    Google Scholar 

  11. Du Bois-Reymond R (1907) Bemerkung über die Innervation des Retractor bulbi. Anat Anz 31: 56

    Google Scholar 

  12. Duke-Elder S (ed.) (1958) The eye in evolution. In: System of Ophthalmology, Vol. I, H Kimpton, London, pp 495–497

    Google Scholar 

  13. Duke-Elder S (1963) Embryology. In: System of Ophthalmology, Vol. III, part 1. S. Duke-Elder and C. Cook (eds.) H. Kimpton, London, pp 220–231.

    Google Scholar 

  14. Duke-Elder S and K Wybar (1973) Congenital anomalies of the muscles and tendons. In: System of Ophthalmology, Vol. VI, S Duke-Elder (ed), H Kimpton, London, pp 736–739

    Google Scholar 

  15. Dyce KM, Sack WO, Wensing (eds.) (1987) Textbook of veterinary anatomy. Saunders, Philadelphia, pp 335–336, 342

    Google Scholar 

  16. Eisler, P (1930) Die Anatomie des menschlichen Auges. In: Kurzes Handbuch der Ophthalmologie, Bd. 1, F. Schieck, A. Brückner (eds.), Springer, Berlin, pp 1–96

    Google Scholar 

  17. Ellenberger W, Baum H (1891) Anatomie des Hundes. P Parey, Berlin, pp 579–581

    Google Scholar 

  18. Ellis H, Logan BM, Dixon A (1991) Human cross-sectional anatomy. Heinemann, Oxford, pp 34–39

    Google Scholar 

  19. Ettl A, Priglinger S, Kramer J, Koornneef L (1996) Functional anatomy of the levator palpebrae superioris muscle and its connective tissue system. Brit J Ophthalm 80: 702–707

    Google Scholar 

  20. Fleischer B (1907) Musculus retractor bulbi und drittes Lid bei einer menschlichen Missbildung. Anat Anz 30: 465–470

    Google Scholar 

  21. Fujita T (1938) Eine Muskelanomalie in der Orbita. Okajimas Fol Anat Jap 16: 301–302

    Google Scholar 

  22. Grimsdale H (1921) A note on the centre of rotation of the eye. Trans Ophthalm Soc UK (London) 41: 357–365

    Google Scholar 

  23. Han JS, Benson JE, Bonstelle CT, Alfidi RJ, Kaufman B, Levine M (1984) Magnetic resonance imaging of the orbit. Radiology 150: 755–759

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  24. Hopkins GS (1916/17) The innervation of the muscle retractor oculi. Anat Rec 11: 199–206

    Google Scholar 

  25. Hosten N (1995) Auge und Orbita, Radiologische Differentialdiagnostik, Thieme, Stuttgart pp 129–152

    Google Scholar 

  26. Isomura G (1977) Nerve supply for anomalous ocular muscle in man. Anat Anz 142: 255–265

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  27. Johnson GL (1901) Contributions to the comparative anatomy of the mammalian eye, chiefly based on ophthalmoscopic examination. Philos Trans R Soc London, Series B, 194: 1–82

    Google Scholar 

  28. van Kampen PN (1927) Die Sinnesorgane. In: Vergleichende Anatomie der Wirbeltiere. Ihle JEW, van Kampen PN, Nierstrasz HF, Versluys J (eds), Springer, Berlin, pp 473–513

    Google Scholar 

  29. Key-Aberg H (1934) Beitrag zur Kenntnis der Anatomie und Physiologie des Musculus retractor bulbi beim Kaninchen. Sv. Läk. Sällskapets Handlingar 60: 117–148

    Google Scholar 

  30. Lang J (1979) Augenmuskeln. In: Praktische Anatomie, 1. Bd. (Kopf), Teil B. (Gehirn und Augenschädel). Lang J, Wachsmuth W (eds.), Springer, Berlin, pp 487–500

    Google Scholar 

  31. Langer BG, Mafee MF, Pollack S, Spigos DG, Gyi B (1987) MRI of the normal orbit and optic pathway. Radiol Clin N Amer 25: 429–446

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  32. Last RJ (1968) In: Wolff's Anatomy of the eye and orbit, 6th ed., Lewis, London, pp 457–458, 499–500

    Google Scholar 

  33. Lüdinghausen, M von (1998) Bilateral super-numerary rectus muscles in the orbit. Clin Anat 11: 271–277

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  34. Mosely I, Brant-Zawadski M, Mills C (1983) Nuclear magnetic resonance imaging of the orbit. Brit J Ophthal 67: 333–342

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  35. Nishi S (1938) Muskeln des Kopfes, parietale Muskulatur. In: Handbuch der vergleichenden Anatomie der Wirbeltiere, Bolk L, Göppert E, Kallius E, Lubosch W (eds). Urban & Schwarzenberg, Berlin und Wien, pp 460–461

    Google Scholar 

  36. Nussbaum M (1893) Vergleichend-anatomische Beiträge zur Kenntnis der Augenmuskeln. Anat Anz 8: 208–210

    Google Scholar 

  37. Pigeau I, Legeais JM, d'Hermies F, Fayet B, Leport M, Abenhaim A et al. (1990) Fast imaging in orbito-ocular pathology. J Fr Ophthalmol 13: 285–292

    Google Scholar 

  38. Posey WC (1923) Concerning some gross structural anomalies of the muscles of the eye and its adnexa. Transactions of the American Academy of Ophthalmology and Otolaryngology 28: 243–257

    Google Scholar 

  39. Rex H (1887) Über einen abnormen Augenmuskel (m. obliquus accessorius inferior). Anat Anz 2: 624–630

    Google Scholar 

  40. Rohen JW (1962) Augenmuskulatur. In: Primatologia, Bd. II, Teil 1, Lieferung 6: Sehorgan. Hofer H, Schultz AH, Starck D (eds), Karger, Basel, pp 169–188

    Google Scholar 

  41. Romer AS and TS Parsons (eds) (1983) Vergleichende Anatomie der Wirbeltiere. 5. Aufl., P. Parey, Hamburg, Berlin, p 270

    Google Scholar 

  42. Sacks 1985 in: Wolff's Anatomy of the eye and orbit, 8th ed. Bron AJ, Tripathi RC, Tripathi BJ (eds) Chapman & Hall, London, pp 147–148

    Google Scholar 

  43. Schmalbruch H (1985) Skeletal muscle. Springer, Berlin, pp 217–232

    Google Scholar 

  44. Schnyder (1984) In: Wolff's Anatomy of the eye and orbit, 8th ed. Bron AJ, Tripathi RC, Tripathi BJ (eds) Chapman & Hall, London, pp 147–148

    Google Scholar 

  45. Sevel D (1984) Ptosis and underaction of the superior rectus muscle. Ophthalmology 91: 1080–1085

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  46. Sevel D (1986) The origins and insertions of the extraocular muscles: development, histologic features, and clinical significance. Trans Am Ophthalmol Soc 84: 488–526

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  47. Shimazaki S (1965) Contribution to the comparative anatomy of n. oculomotorius in cyclostomata and fish (in Japanese). Acta Anat Nippon 40: 354–367

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  48. Smith F (1922) Anatomical notes on the accessory organs of the eye of the horse. J Anat (London) 56: 366–389

    Google Scholar 

  49. Snell, RS, Lemp MA (1989) Clinical anatomy of the eye. Blackwell, Boston, pp 11–12

    Google Scholar 

  50. Spencer and Porter (1981) In: Wolff's Anatomy of the eye and orbit, 8th ed, Bron AJ, Tripathi RC, Tripathi BJ (eds) Chapman & Hall, London, pp. 147–148

    Google Scholar 

  51. Tadmor R, New PFJ (1978) Computed tomography of the orbit with special emphasis on coronal sections, Part I: Normal anatomy. J Comput Assist Tomogr 2: 24–34

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  52. Weir J, Abrahams PH (eds.) (1997) Imaging atlas of human anatomy, 2nd ed., Mosby-Wolfe, London, pp. 15–38

    Google Scholar 

  53. Whitnall SE (1911) An instance of the retractor bulbi muscle in man. J Anat Physiol 46: 36–40

    Google Scholar 

  54. Whitnall SE (1921) Some abnormal muscles of the orbit. Anat Rec 21: 143–152

    Google Scholar 

  55. Whitnall SE (1979) Anatomy of the human orbit and accessory organs of vision (fascimile of the 1921 edition), Krieger, New York, pp 259–288

    Google Scholar 

  56. Wild P (1994) Auge. In: Anatomie von Hund und Katze. J Frewein, B Vollmerhaus (eds.). Blackwell, Berlin, p. 429

    Google Scholar 

  57. Winckler G (1933) Le muscle retractor bulbi, étude d'anatomie comparée. Arch Anat (Paris) 17: 131–180

    Google Scholar 

  58. Yamada M, K Kumaki, S. Mizukami (1973) An anomalous ocular muscle of Fujita (1938). Acta Anat Nippon 48: 227

    Google Scholar 

  59. Yamada S, K Shiota (1998) Gross anatomical and histological studies of holoprosencephalic embryos and its pathogenetic mechanisms. Acta Anat Nippon 73: 74

    Google Scholar 

  60. Zhan Y, Engel M, Kujat C, Backns M, Kubale R, Kramann B (1995) Kernspintomographie der Orbitae bei posttraumatischen Motilitätsstörungen. Fortschr Röntgenstr 163: 127–133

    Google Scholar 

  61. Zietzschmann O (1943) Die Sinnesorgane. In: Ellenberger-Baum Handbuch der vergleichenden Anatomie der Haustiere, 18. Aufl., Zietzschmann, E. Ackerknecht, H. Grau (eds.). Springer, Berlin, pp 979–1001

    Google Scholar 

  62. Zimmerman RA, Bilaniuk LT, Yanoff M, Schenk JF, Hart HR, Foster TH, Edelstein WA, Bottomley PA, Redington RW, Hardy CJ (1985) Orbital magnetic resonance imaging. Am J Ophthal 100: 312–317

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Institute of Anatomy, University of Würzburg, Koellikerstr, 6 D-97070, Würzburg, Germany

    M. von Lüdinghausen & N. Würzler

  2. Department of Anatomy, Oita Medical University, 875-55, Oita, Japan

    M. Miura

Authors
  1. M. von Lüdinghausen
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. M. Miura
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. N. Würzler
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

von Lüdinghausen, M., Miura, M. & Würzler, N. Variations and anomalies of the human orbital muscles. Surg Radiol Anat 21, 69–76 (1999). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01635057

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01635057

Key words

Search

Navigation