4b. The Muscles of the Eyelid
(From Gray's Anatomy)Orbicularis oculi, a circular muscle, surrounds the eye
Waking in the gray half-light of early morning, I gaze
across the pillow at my wife's shuttered eyeThe palpereal portion is thin and pale, acts,
involuntarily, closing the lids gently, as in sleep.Sensing the pressure of my attention, the eye opens
looks back dreamily, then closes.However, the orbital portion is subject to the will.
The eyelid flutters, looks at me again, now languorous.
The Levator palpebrae superioris acts in opposition to
Orbicularis, raising the upper eyelid.The eye is misty.
When the eyelids are closed a vacuum is made in the lacrimal sac
and tears are sucked into it.She (the owner of the eye) wishes to speak.
See 4d. The Muscles of the Mouth
....................................................................................... Israel Lewis
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