For the muscle of the neck, see Rectus capitis lateralis muscle

Rectus capitis lateralis muscle

The Rectus capitis lateralis, a short, flat muscle, arises from the upper surface of the transverse process of the atlas, and is inserted into the under surface of the jugular process of the occipital bone.-See also:* atlanto-occipital joint...

The lateral rectus muscle is a muscle

Muscle

Muscle is a contractile tissue of animals and is derived from the mesodermal layer of embryonic germ cells. Muscle cells contain contractile filaments that move past each other and change the size of the cell. They are classified as skeletal, cardiac, or smooth muscles. Their function is to...

 in the orbit

Orbit (anatomy)

In anatomy, the orbit is the cavity or socket of the skull in which the eye and its appendages are situated. "Orbit" can refer to the bony socket, or it can also be used to imply the contents...

. It is one of six extraocular muscles

Extraocular muscles

The extraocular muscles are the six muscles that control the movements of the eye . The actions of the extraocular muscles depend on the position of the eye at the time of muscle contraction.-List of muscles:-Importance:...

 that control the movements of the eye (abduction in this case) and the only muscle innervated by the abducens nerve, cranial nerve VI.

Its function is to bring the pupil away from the midline of the body. It is tested clinically by asking the patient to look laterally.