Advanced Health Assessment Practice Exam

What are the cranial nerves responsible for eye muscle movement?

1. IV, VI, VII

2. II, III, IV

3. III, IV, VI

4. I, II, III

The correct answer is: III, IV, VI

The cranial nerves responsible for eye muscle movement are the oculomotor nerve (III), the trochlear nerve (IV), and the abducens nerve (VI). Each of these nerves plays a specific role in controlling the muscles that enable eye movement. The oculomotor nerve innervates most of the extraocular muscles, including those responsible for elevating the eyelids and constricting the pupils. It is crucial for movements such as looking up and down and inward. The trochlear nerve primarily controls the superior oblique muscle, which is responsible for enabling downward and lateral eye movements, particularly when the eye is adducted. The abducens nerve innervates the lateral rectus muscle, which allows for lateral movement of the eye, enabling the eye to look outward. Understanding the function of these cranial nerves is essential in assessing eye muscle movement during clinical examinations, as impairment of any of them can lead to specific patterns of strabismus (misalignment of the eyes) or other vision issues.