The sixth cranial nerve, which emerges from the skull to operate the lateral rectus muscle. This muscle draws the eye toward the side of the head. Paralysis of the abducent nerve causes inward turning of the eye.

The 6th Cranial Nerve. The abducens nerve originates in the abducens nucleus of the Pons and sends motor fibers to the lateral rectus Muscles of the eye. Damage to the nerve or its nucleus disrupts ho [..]

<anatomy> The abducent nerve enervates a muscle which moves the eyeball. Lesions of the sixth cranial nerve result in deviation of the eyeball outward and double vision. Synonyms: cranial nerve VI. (27 Sep 1997)