HOSA Dental Terminology Practice

What is the role of the Abducens nerve?

1. Sensory information of the facial region

2. Control of lateral eye movement

3. Regulation of heart rate

4. Facilitating taste sensation

The correct answer is: Control of lateral eye movement

The Abducens nerve is primarily responsible for controlling lateral eye movement. Specifically, it innervates the lateral rectus muscle of the eye, which is crucial for allowing the eye to move outward or laterally. This action is important for various visual tasks, including tracking moving objects and maintaining binocular vision. Understanding the specific functions of cranial nerves highlights the specialized role of each in the nervous system. Other nerves handle different sensory or motor functions, which is why the Abducens nerve uniquely focuses on this aspect of eye movement.