Lateral rectus muscle of the eye is served by which cranial nerve?

Options

A. Oculomotor
B. Pathetic
C. Abducens
D. Spinal accessory

Answer

To determine which cranial nerve serves the lateral rectus muscle of the eye, we can follow these steps:

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Identify the Function of the Lateral Rectus Muscle**:
- The lateral rectus muscle is responsible for the abduction of the eye, which means it helps move the eye away from the midline.

2. **List the Cranial Nerves Associated with Eye Movement**:
- There are several cranial nerves that innervate the muscles of the eye:
- Oculomotor nerve (Cranial Nerve III)
- Trochlear nerve (Cranial Nerve IV)
- Abducens nerve (Cranial Nerve VI)
- Spinal accessory nerve (Cranial Nerve XI)

3. **Evaluate Each Cranial Nerve's Role**:
- **Oculomotor Nerve (Cranial Nerve III)**: This nerve innervates most of the extraocular muscles except for the lateral rectus and superior oblique.
- **Trochlear Nerve (Cranial Nerve IV)**: This nerve innervates the superior oblique muscle, not the lateral rectus.
- **Abducens Nerve (Cranial Nerve VI)**: This nerve specifically innervates the lateral rectus muscle, allowing for the abduction of the eye.
- **Spinal Accessory Nerve (Cranial Nerve XI)**: This nerve is not involved in eye movement.

4. **Select the Correct Answer**:
- Based on the evaluation, the cranial nerve that serves the lateral rectus muscle is the **Abducens Nerve (Cranial Nerve VI)**.

### Final Answer:
The lateral rectus muscle of the eye is served by the **Abducens nerve (Cranial Nerve VI)**.

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