The abducens nucleus corresponds to which cranial nerve?

The abducens nucleus corresponds to which cranial nerve?

• A. CN II
• B. CN VI
• C. CN IX
• D. CN XII

Answer: (B)

The abducens nucleus is the motor nucleus that gives rise to the sixth cranial nerve. Its neurons send axons to the lateral rectus muscle, which runs the eye outward (abduction). So this nucleus specifically corresponds to cranial nerve VI. The other options come from different nerves with different roles: the optic nerve handles vision, while the glossopharyngeal and hypoglossal nerves control throat/posterior tongue actions and tongue movements, not the lateral rectus.

The abducens nucleus is the motor nucleus that gives rise to the sixth cranial nerve. Its neurons send axons to the lateral rectus muscle, which runs the eye outward (abduction). So this nucleus specifically corresponds to cranial nerve VI. The other options come from different nerves with different roles: the optic nerve handles vision, while the glossopharyngeal and hypoglossal nerves control throat/posterior tongue actions and tongue movements, not the lateral rectus.