HOSA Dental Terminology Practice

Which cranial nerve is responsible for lateral movement of the eye?

1. Optic nerve

2. Abducens nerve

3. Oculomotor nerve

4. Trigeminal nerve

The correct answer is: Abducens nerve

The abducens nerve is the cranial nerve responsible for controlling the lateral movement of the eye. Specifically, it innervates the lateral rectus muscle, which allows for abduction—movement of the eye away from the midline. This function is crucial for coordinating eye movements, especially when tracking objects in the peripheral vision or maintaining proper alignment when both eyes are focused on a target. The optic nerve is primarily responsible for vision, transmitting visual information from the retina to the brain. The oculomotor nerve controls most of the eye's movements, including upward, downward, and inward motions, but it does not handle lateral movement. The trigeminal nerve primarily facilitates sensation in the face and motor functions such as chewing but does not control eye movements. Thus, the abducens nerve is uniquely suited for its specific role in lateral eye movement.