Abducens Nerve

Question 1

what is the function of the abducens nerve

Answer 1

supplies one of the extraocular muscles of the eye: the lateral rectus muscle

Question 2

what does the lateral rectus muscle do

Answer 2

abducts the eye, or moves it laterally towards the side of the head

Question 3

where does the abducens nerve originate

Answer 3

abducens nucleus, in the pons

Question 4

structure of the abducens nerve

Answer 4

facial fibres wrap around the nerve, creating a bulge in the floor of the fourth ventricle (facial colliculus)

Question 5

where do the abducens nerve fibres exit the brainstem

Answer 5

at the junction between the pons and medulla

Question 6

which pathway do the abducens nucleus nerves fire through

Answer 6

medial longitudinal fasciculus to the oculomotor nucleus, where they synapse on neurons that control the medial rectus muscle of the opposite eye

Question 7

what effect does the medial rectus have on the eye

Answer 7

moves it inwards, important for coordination of eye movement

Question 8

effects of damage to the abducens nerve

Answer 8

impairment of the eye nerve supplies to move laterally (esotropia and diplopia)

Question 9

esotropia

Answer 9

affected eye deviates medially

Question 10

diplopia

Answer 10

double vision