Superior tarsal muscle
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The superior tarsal muscle is a smooth muscle adjoining the levator palpebrae superioris muscle that helps to raise the upper eyelid.
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[edit] Structure
The superior tarsal muscle originates on the levator palpebrae superioris and inserts on the superior tarsal plate of the eyelid.
[edit] Innervation
The superior tarsal muscle receives its innervation from the sympathetic nervous system on fibers carried along with the ophthalmic artery through the cavernous sinus. These postganglionic sympathetic fibers originate in the superior cervical ganglion.
[edit] Actions
The superior tarsal muscle works with the levator palpebrae superioris to raise the upper eyelid.
[edit] Pathology
Damage to some elements of the sympathetic nervous system can inhibit this muscle, causing a drooping eyelid (ptosis). This is seen in Horner's syndrome.
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