Definition
Rectus lateralis is an alternative name for the lateral rectus muscle, one of the six extraocular muscles controlling eye movement. 👁️ Its function is to move the eye horizontally away from the nose, enabling you to look sideways. The muscle is innervated by the abducens nerve. Dysfunction of the rectus lateralis leads to limited abduction (outward movement) of the eye, potentially causing double vision. It works in tandem with other eye muscles to coordinate gaze. 💪