Which extraocular muscle is primarily responsible for depression of the eye?

The inferior rectus muscle is primarily responsible for the depression of the eye. This muscle is one of the six extraocular muscles controlling eye movement, and it specifically functions to pull the eye downward when it contracts. Depression occurs when the inferior rectus contracts, allowing the eye to move away from its neutral position and downward toward the cheek.

Understanding the actions of the extraocular muscles is essential for comprehending eye movement and coordination. Each muscle has a specific role based on its location and anatomical orientation. In this context, while the superior oblique also plays a role in movement, it is more involved in intorsion and depression but is not as primary in depression as the inferior rectus. The medial and lateral rectus muscles are primarily responsible for adduction and abduction (movement toward and away from the nose), not for depression. Thus, the function of the inferior rectus makes it the correct answer in identifying the muscle responsible for depressing the eye effectively.