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RESEARCH.

LEVATOR PALPEBRAE.
 

                The Levator Palpebrae acts primarily on the upper eyelid.  It attaches to the skin of the upper lid on one end and to the roof of the eye socket on the other.  When it contracts, the upper lid is lifted; the more contraction, the more lift.  The more lift, the wide open the eye becomes.  ( see fig 22 ) Usually, the levator is slightly contracted, holding the upper lid in it's neutral awake position.  When the levator relaxes, the upper lid, pulled down by gravity, begins to cover the iris.  If the levator relaxes completely, the upper lid will fall against the lower lid, thus closing the eye.
                The levator acts as a gauge to the face.  In the case of anger, fear, or even surprise, the more vivid the expression, the more the eye will open.  The opposite is also true.  The more the eye closes, the more lacklustre the face.
 


Fig . 22 - The Levator Palpebrae in action.