Action of superior oblique is following except –
**Core Concept**
The superior oblique muscle is one of the six extraocular muscles responsible for eye movements. It plays a crucial role in the rotation of the eye, specifically in the movement of the eyeball in the sagittal plane. The action of the superior oblique muscle is unique among the extraocular muscles, as it is the only muscle that primarily rotates the eyeball around a point anterior to the eye.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
The correct answer is A. Extortion, which refers to the rotation of the eyeball in such a way that the top of the eye moves towards the nose. The superior oblique muscle is responsible for this movement, particularly in the context of the eye's position in the orbit. This action is often referred to as "intorsion" when considering the rotation of the eye in the sagittal plane. However, the most accurate term for the action of the superior oblique muscle is "intortion" in the context of the eye's position in the orbit.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option B:** Depression refers to the movement of the eyeball downward, which is primarily the action of the inferior oblique muscle, not the superior oblique muscle.
**Option C:** Abduction refers to the movement of the eyeball outward, away from the midline of the face, which is primarily the action of the lateral rectus muscle, not the superior oblique muscle.
**Option D:** Intortion is actually the correct action of the superior oblique muscle when considering the rotation of the eye in the sagittal plane.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
It's essential to remember that the superior oblique muscle is responsible for intorsion, particularly in the context of the eye's position in the orbit. This muscle is also responsible for the rotation of the eyeball around a point anterior to the eye, which is unique among the extraocular muscles.
**β Correct Answer: A. Extortion**