Sixth cranial nerve

Sixth Cranial Nerve

The sixth cranial nerve, also known as the abducens nerve.

The sixth cranial nerve or abducens nerve is one of the cranial nerves that controls eye movement. It is responsible for the lateral rectus muscle, which moves the eye outward. This nerve is the smallest of the cranial nerves and has the longest intracranial course.

Anatomy

The sixth cranial nerve originates from the abducens nucleus in the pons, a part of the brainstem. It travels a long path through the skull before it reaches the eye. Along its course, it is vulnerable to injury and disease, which can result in abducens nerve palsy.

Function

The primary function of the sixth cranial nerve is to control the lateral rectus muscle. This muscle moves the eye outward, away from the nose. This is known as abduction of the eye.

Clinical significance

Damage to the sixth cranial nerve can result in abducens nerve palsy, which is characterized by an inability to move the eye outward. This can result in double vision and other visual disturbances.

See also

• Cranial nerves
• Abducens nerve palsy
• Eye movement

External links

• Medical Mnemonics.com: Neurology