Which muscle is resected to surgically correct ptosis?

To surgically correct ptosis, the muscle that is resected is the levator palpebrae superioris. This muscle plays a critical role in elevating the upper eyelid. When ptosis occurs, the eyelid falls due to weakness or dysfunction of this muscle, making it unable to properly lift the eyelid. Resection of the levator palpebrae superioris allows it to function more effectively by shortening the muscle, thereby facilitating better elevation of the eyelid.

In contrast, the orbicularis oculi is primarily responsible for closing the eyelid and would not be a target for surgery focused on correcting ptosis. The superior oblique and rectus superior are extraocular muscles that control eye movement and have no direct function in elevating the eyelid, aligning with the specific purpose of addressing eyelid droop associated with ptosis. Thus, resecting the levator palpebrae superioris directly addresses the underlying issue of impaired eyelid elevation, making this choice the most appropriate for the surgical correction of ptosis.