Which muscle elevates the upper eyelid?

• A. Orbicularis oculi
• B. Frontalis
• C. Levator palpebrae superioris
• D. Corrugator supercilii

Answer: (C)

Elevating the upper eyelid is done by the levator palpebrae superioris. This muscle originates from the orbit’s roof and travels forward to insert into the upper eyelid via the levator aponeurosis, so when it contracts it directly lifts the lid and opens the eye. It is innervated by the oculomotor nerve. By contrast, the orbicularis oculi closes the eye; the frontalis can help by raising the brow (which can subtly aid lid opening), and the corrugator supercilii pulls the eyebrow downward and inward, but none of these directly raise the lid.