Chapter contents
Overview
Origin & central course
Intracranial course
Final innervation
Coordination of muscles
Lower motor neuron lesion
Upper motor neuron lesion
MLF syndrome
| Cranial Nerve VI - Abducens Nerve | Page 3 of 8 |
Intracranial course
Upon exiting the brainstem the abducens nerve climbs superiorly along the ventral surface of the pons. On reaching the apex of the petrous portion of the temporal bone the nerve makes a sharp turn anteriorly to enter the cavernous sinus.
The abducens nerve travels along the lateral wall of the cavernous sinus with CNS III, IV, and V.
Figure 6-4. Intracranial course of abducens nerve.
