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.