AEMCA Practice Exam

What is the primary function of cranial nerve 6?

1. Controls smell

2. Controls movement that makes the eye look to the side

3. Important for motor coordination

4. Facilitates skin sensation

The correct answer is: Controls movement that makes the eye look to the side

The primary function of cranial nerve 6, also known as the abducens nerve, is to control the lateral movement of the eye, specifically allowing the eye to move laterally or look to the side. This nerve innervates the lateral rectus muscle, which is responsible for this outward movement. When the lateral rectus muscle contracts, it pulls the eye towards the ear, helping to position the gaze properly. Understanding this function is crucial as it plays a vital role in visual coordination, particularly during activities that require focused tracking or scanning the environment. In contrast to the other nerves mentioned, cranial nerve 6 is specialized for this specific motor function related to eye movement, distinguishing it from those that handle smell, motor coordination in general, or skin sensation.