NEURAL PATHWAY
The abducens nerve is the sixth cranial nerve that originates from the abducens nucleus in the pons of the brain, and exits the brainstem at the junction of the pons and the medulla.
Abducens nucleus (pons of brain) → subarachnoid space → penetrates dura matter (Dorello’s canal) → cavernous sinus → tip of petrous temporal bone → superior orbital fissure → orbit of eye → lateral rectus muscle (innervation)
FUNCTION
This cranial nerve controls the lateral rectus muscle which is responsible for moving the eyes laterally.
CAUSE OF INJURY
CLINICAL PRESNENTATION
Injury of the abducens nerve can result in a abducens nerve palsy (sixth nerve palsy)
OTHER INFO
Page Updated: 12.15.2016