Abducens nerve

Abducens Nerve

The course and connections of the facial nerve in the temporal bone (Abducens nerve is labeled at bottom right)

The Abducens Nerve or Cranial Nerve VI is a somatic efferent nerve that, in humans, supplies the lateral rectus muscle of the eye. It is responsible for the outward gaze.

Structure

The abducens nerve leaves the brainstem at the junction of the pons and the medulla, medial to the facial nerve. It travels upward, passing through the petrous part of the temporal bone and the cavernous sinus, before entering the orbit via the superior orbital fissure.

Function

The primary role of the abducens nerve is to innervate the lateral rectus muscle, which abducts the eye. This action is coordinated with the other ocular muscles by the medial longitudinal fasciculus to ensure conjugate gaze.

Clinical significance

Damage to the abducens nerve can result in diplopia (double vision) and strabismus (misalignment of the eyes). This can be caused by a number of factors, including trauma, infection, tumor, and vascular disease.

See also

• Cranial nerves
• Eye movement
• Lateral rectus muscle