Which extraocular muscle is primarily responsible for adducting the eye (turning the gaze medially toward the nose)?

• A. Inferior rectus
• B. Medial rectus
• C. Lateral rectus
• D. Superior oblique

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the term 'adduction' in the context of eye movement: adduction refers to moving the eye medially, or toward the nose.
2. Recall the six extraocular muscles responsible for eye movements: superior rectus, inferior rectus, lateral rectus, medial rectus, superior oblique, and inferior oblique.
3. Identify the primary function of each muscle: the medial rectus muscle is known to pull the eye inward toward the nose, causing adduction.
4. Contrast this with other muscles: the lateral rectus abducts the eye (moves it laterally), the superior oblique primarily intorts and depresses the eye, and the inferior rectus primarily depresses and extorts the eye.
5. Conclude that the medial rectus is the extraocular muscle primarily responsible for adducting the eye.