ANATOMY & PHYSIOLOGY A  B  C  D  E  F  G  H  I  J  K  L  M  N  O  P  Q  R  S  T  U  V  W  X  Y  Z           HOME ABOUT CATEGORIES SITE MAP COPYRIGHT ADVERTISE CONTACT entire Web this site abducens nerve Abducens nerve. Credit: Yale University School of Medicine Either of the sixth pair of cranial nerves, which supply one of the eye muscles. The abducens nerve innervates the lateral rectus muscle (responsible for lateral gaze, i.e., moving the eyeball outwards) of the ipsilateral orbit. The abducens nerve originates in the pons (part of the brainstem) and passes forwards along the base of the skull, eventually entering the back of the eye socket through a sinus (gap) between the skull bones. Pathology Due to its long path inside the skull, the abducens nerve is often damaged in fractures of the base of the skull, or by a disorder, such as a tumor, that distorts the brain. Such damage may give rise to double vision or a squint. Related category    • ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY Also on this site: Encyclopedia of Alternative Energy & Sustainable Living Encyclopedia of History Transport Concepts & Designs (partner site) BACK TO TOP