orbicularis oculi, the muscular body of the eyelid, encircling the eye and comprising the palpebral, orbital, and lacrimal muscles. It arises from the nasal part of the frontal bone, the frontal process of the maxilla in front of the lacrimal groove, and the anterior surface of the medial palpebral ligament. The palpebral muscle functions to close the eyelid gently; the orbital muscle functions to close it more energetically, such as in winking. Also called orbicularis palpebrarum. Compare corrugator supercilii, levator palpebrae superioris.
