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What type of cranial nerve is the abducens nerve (CN VI)?

1) Motor
2) Sensory
3) Both

1 Answer

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Final answer:

The abducens nerve (CN VI) is a motor cranial nerve responsible for contracting the lateral rectus muscle to abduct the eye.

Step-by-step explanation:

The abducens nerve (CN VI) is one of the cranial nerves specifically dedicated to motor function. This nerve is responsible for contracting the lateral rectus muscle, which is one of the extraocular muscles involved in eye movement, particularly abduction of the eye. According to the mnemonic 'Some Say Marry Money But My Brother Says Brains Beauty Matter More,' which helps remember the basic function of each cranial nerve, the abducens nerve falls under the category of a motor nerve along with the oculomotor (CNIII) and trochlear (CNIV) nerves, which are also involved in the motor control of eye movements.

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