Orbicularis Oculi Muscle

This complex and extremely important muscle consists of three parts—lacrimal, orbital, and palpebral; together they form an important protective mechanism surrounding the eye.  The lacrimal part dilates lacrimal sac and brings lacrimal canals onto surface of eye. The orbital part strongly closes eyelids (firmly “screws up” eye) and the palpebral part gently closes eyelids (and comes into action involuntarily, as in blinking).

In addition it is used to transfer tears from the eye itself to the nasolacrimal duct system.

Trigger points can occur in the orbicularis oculi muscle and may contribute to a tension headache.