Certified Paraoptometric (CPO) Practice Exam 2025

The function of the superior oblique muscle is to?

1. Rotate the eye upward and outward

2. Rotate the eye down and inward

3. Turn the eye downward

4. Move the eyes toward the nose

The correct answer is: Rotate the eye down and inward

The function of the superior oblique muscle is indeed to rotate the eye down and inward. This muscle is responsible for allowing the eye to look downward and toward the nose, which is essential for certain visual tasks, such as reading or looking at objects down close. The superior oblique muscle performs this action through a process called intorsion, where it helps in the overall movement of the eye. Other muscles work in concert with the superior oblique to control eye movement based on the visual requirements. Understanding the specific actions of each extraocular muscle is vital in diagnosing and treating ocular conditions associated with muscle imbalances or dysfunctions.