Anatomy, Head and Neck: Levator Palpebrae Superioris Muscle

Excerpt

The levator palpebrae superioris is a triangular muscle that elevates and retracts the upper eyelid (see Image. Orbital Muscles). This muscle has an abundant blood supply mainly provided by the ophthalmic and supraorbital arteries, both emanating from the internal carotid artery. These vessels anastomose with external carotid branches via the angular and superficial temporal arteries through the superior peripheral arcade. Lymphatic drainage travels laterally to the preauricular/parotid nodes before draining to the deep cervical lymph nodes. The muscle receives innervation from the superior oculomotor nerve branch (3rd cranial nerve or CN III). Levator palpebrae superioris function or innervation problems typically result in upper eyelid ptosis.