Nerve
Abducens nerve (CN VI)
Lateral rectus muscle
High-yield
Supplies only lateral rectus (LR6); palsy → medial deviation and horizontal diplopia. A false-localising sign in raised intracranial pressure.
Overview
The sixth cranial nerve, supplying the lateral rectus muscle that abducts the eye; it has a long intracranial course making it vulnerable to raised pressure.
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Reference facts
- Roots
- Motor (cranial nerve)
- Course
- Emerges at the pontomedullary junction, runs a long course up the clivus, through the cavernous sinus and superior orbital fissure
- Motor
- Lateral rectus muscle (abducts the eye)
- Sensory
- No cutaneous sensory territory - this nerve is purely motor.
Frequently asked questions
What type of nerve is the abducens nerve (CN VI)?
The abducens nerve (CN VI) is motor (cranial nerve).
What muscles does the abducens nerve (CN VI) supply?
The abducens nerve (CN VI) supplies the lateral rectus muscle (abducts the eye).
What is the sensory distribution of the abducens nerve (CN VI)?
No cutaneous sensory territory - this nerve is purely motor.
What is the course of the abducens nerve (CN VI)?
Emerges at the pontomedullary junction, runs a long course up the clivus, through the cavernous sinus and superior orbital fissure.