Blood Flow in Extraocular Muscle of Cat

Fractional blood flow was measured and absolute blood flow calculated in the six extraocular muscles of the quiet, alert cat by the isotope dilution method. Absolute blood flow ranged from 51.8 ml/ min/100 gm muscle in the superior oblique to 78.2 ml/min/100 gm muscle in the superior rectus. Average blood flow in the six extraocular muscles exceeded that of all other skeletal muscles examined and was exceeded only by myocardium. The high constant level of activity in extraocular muscle during wakefulness appeared to be a determinant factor in the maintenance of high extraocular muscle blood flow.