Abducent Nerve

 Describe the origin and course of aducent nerve.

Abducent nerve (so named because it abducts the eye) is the 6^th cranial nerve. It is purely motor nerve.

Origin: Its nucleus is located in the lower part of pons in the floor of IVth ventricle, deep to facial colliculus.

Course

• It emerges at the lower border of pons above the pyramids of medulla oblongata.
• Passes through the cavernous sinus inferolateral to the internal carotid artery.
• Enters the orbit by passing through the superior orbital fissure.
• It has the longest intracranial course and is most susceptible to damage due to increased intracranial pressure.

Name the nuclei, functional components and distribution of abducent nerve.

Following are the nuclei, functional components and the structures supplied by the nerve:

Applied Aspects