Advanced Health Assessment Practice Exam

Which cranial nerve is responsible for downward and inward eye movement?

1. VI (Abducens)

2. IV (Trochlear)

3. III (Oculomotor)

4. I (Olfactory)

The correct answer is: IV (Trochlear)

The cranial nerve responsible for downward and inward eye movement is the trochlear nerve. This nerve controls the superior oblique muscle of the eye, which is primarily responsible for these specific movements. When functioning properly, the trochlear nerve allows the eye to move downwards and medially, which is essential for various visual tasks, such as reading and looking at objects close to the face. Other cranial nerves play different roles in eye movement. The abducens nerve is primarily responsible for lateral eye movement, while the oculomotor nerve controls most of the other eye muscles, including those that govern upward, downward, and medial movements, as well as pupil constriction. The olfactory nerve, on the other hand, is involved in the sense of smell and does not control eye movement at all. Understanding the specific function of the trochlear nerve is crucial in assessing eye movements during a health examination.