One of the 6 extra-ocular muscles, the superior rectus is innervated by a branch of CN III (the oculomotor n.). It arises from the annulus of Zinn (common tendinous ring) and inserts into the superior aspect of the eyeball. The action of the superior rectus m. is to direct the gaze superiorly.
Superior view of the right orbit, showing the action of the superior rectus m.