Abducens Nerve Apr 2026

The , also known as cranial nerve VI (CN VI) , is a motor nerve primarily responsible for outward eye movement. It innervates the lateral rectus muscle , which pulls the eye laterally toward the temple in a movement called abduction . Key Anatomy and Course

It leaves the brainstem at the junction of the pons and the medulla (pontomedullary junction). abducens nerve

The abducens nerve has one of the longest and most vulnerable intracranial paths of all cranial nerves. The , also known as cranial nerve VI

It passes through the cavernous sinus , running alongside the internal carotid artery. The abducens nerve has one of the longest

Finally, it enters the eye socket through the superior orbital fissure to reach the lateral rectus muscle. Abducens Nerve: What It Is, Function, Location & Conditions

It arises from the abducens nucleus in the pons of the brainstem.

It travels through the subarachnoid space and pierces the dura mater to enter Dorello's canal .