The Abducens Nerve: Anatomy and Pathology

Semin Ultrasound CT MR. 2022 Oct;43(5):414-419. doi: 10.1053/j.sult.2022.04.008. Epub 2022 Apr 18.

Abstract

The abducens, or the sixth cranial nerve, is purely motor and runs a long course from the brainstem to the lateral rectus. Travels with the inferior petrosal sinus through the Dorello's canal before entering the cavernous sinus. Based on the location of an abnormality, other neurologic structures may be involved with the disturbs related to this nerve. This article aims to review the abducens nerve anatomy and demonstrates the imaging aspect of the diseases that most commonly affect it.

MeSH terms

  • Abducens Nerve* / anatomy & histology
  • Abducens Nerve* / pathology
  • Cavernous Sinus* / anatomy & histology
  • Cavernous Sinus* / innervation
  • Humans