oculomotorische

Oculomotorische refers to the oculomotor system, including the oculomotor nerve (cranial nerve III) and the neural circuits that control eye movements, eyelid elevation, pupil size, and lens focus. The term is used in medical and anatomical contexts to describe structures and functions associated with this nerve and its pathways.

Anatomically, the oculomotor nerve originates from the oculomotor nucleus and the Edinger–Westphal nucleus in the dorsal midbrain. It travels anteriorly through the brainstem, exits near the midbrain, and courses through the cavernous sinus before entering the orbit via the superior orbital fissure. The nerve fibers are organized into a superior division and an inferior division. The superior division innervates the levator palpebrae superioris (raising the upper eyelid) and the superior rectus muscle. The inferior division supplies the medial rectus, the inferior rectus, and the inferior oblique muscles. Parasympathetic fibers run with the nerve to the ciliary ganglion; postganglionic fibers then innervate the sphincter pupillae (pupil constriction) and the ciliary muscle (lens accommodation).

Functionally, the oculomotor system coordinates most of the eye’s gross movements, synchronizes eyelid opening, and controls pupil size and accommodation. It works in concert with other cranial nerves to achieve precise ocular alignment and focus.

Clinical relevance is prominent in oculomotor palsy, which can cause ptosis, a "down and out" gaze, and diplopia. Pupil involvement suggests a compressive lesion (for example, aneurysm) whereas pupil-sparing palsy is more typical of microvascular ischemia. Diagnostic tests include assessment of the pupillary light reflex and accommodation.