This chapter reviews contributions of orbital tissues and extraocular
muscles (EOM) to the control of eye movements. The anatomy of the
orbit, fascia, fibromuscular pulleys, and EOM are described and
related to the kinematics of 3-D eye rotations. Current concepts of
the embryology of the EOM and their unique and diverse characteristics
are described, suggesting why they are more vulnerable to certain
neuromuscular disorders and less susceptible to others, compared with
skeletal muscles. Electrophysiological properties of different EOM
fiber types (and their motor neuron innervation) are contrasted,
describing new models that attempt to account for nonlinear mechanical
properties of the orbit. The substrate and roles of extraocular
proprioception in the control of eye movements are summarized and
related to clinical disorders affecting EOM. The anatomy of the
cranial nerves supplying the EOM is summarized, diagrammed and
highlighted to aid diagnosis of common palsies of the oculomotor,
trochlear, and abducens nerves.