superior rectus muscle superior rectus muscle the superior rectus muscle is a muscle in the orbit. it is one of the extraocular muscles. it is innervated by the superior division of the oculomotor nerve (iii). in the primary position (looking straight ahead), its primary function is elevation, although it also contributes to intorsion and adduction. it is associated with a number of medical conditions, and may be weak, paralysed, overreactive, or even congenitally absent in some people. the superior rectus muscles is shown in this image of the right eye from above. hover the mouse over the structures for their names. click for more information. superior rectusview of the eye from above, showing the action of the superior rectus muscle.detailsoriginannulus of zinn at the orbital apexinsertion7.9 mm superior to the corneal limbusnerveoculomotor nerveactionselevates, intorsion, and rotates medially the eyeidentifierslatinmusculus rectus superior bulbita98a15.2.07.010ta22042fma49035anatomical terms of muscle structure