Certified Ophthalmic Medical Technologist (COMT) Practice Exam

Which extraocular muscles are innervated by the Oculomotor nerve?

1. Medial Rectus, Superior Oblique, Inferior Rectus

2. Medial Rectus, Inferior Oblique, Superior Rectus, Inferior Rectus

3. Lateral Rectus, Inferior Oblique, Superior Rectus

4. Medial Rectus, Superior Rectus, Lateral Rectus

The correct answer is: Medial Rectus, Inferior Oblique, Superior Rectus, Inferior Rectus

The correct answer identifies the extraocular muscles that are innervated by the Oculomotor nerve, which is crucial for eye movement and proper vision. The Oculomotor nerve, cranial nerve III, is responsible for the motor control of several extraocular muscles involved in eye movement. The Medial Rectus muscle is primarily responsible for adduction of the eye and receives its innervation from the Oculomotor nerve. The Inferior Oblique muscle assists in elevating and outwardly rotating the eye, also under the control of the Oculomotor nerve. The Superior Rectus muscle contributes to the elevation and adduction of the eye, and it too is innervated by this nerve. An understanding of extraocular muscle innervation is fundamental in ophthalmology, as dysfunction can lead to various visual disturbances or strabismus. The specific muscles mentioned in the correct answer align with the functions of the Oculomotor nerve, highlighting its key role in coordinated eye movement and positioning. In contrast, the Lateral Rectus muscle is exclusively innervated by the Abducens nerve and the Superior Oblique is innervated by the Trochlear nerve, which is why they are not included in the correct grouping. Recogn