Which muscle is responsible for moving the eye from center to side and back?

The rectus muscles, specifically the lateral and medial rectus muscles, are primarily responsible for moving the eye horizontally. The lateral rectus muscle facilitates movement of the eye outward, or away from the center, while the medial rectus muscle pulls the eye inward, or toward the center. This coordinated function allows the eye to move from the center position to the side and then return back to the center.

The oblique muscles, though involved in eye movement, primarily contribute to rotation and are not the main muscles responsible for lateral movement. The frontalis muscle, located in the forehead, controls movements of the eyebrows and forehead rather than eye movement, while the temporalis muscle plays a role in chewing and jaw movement rather than eye function. Thus, the rectus muscles are essential for the specified eye movements.