What is an "abducens nerve"?

An abducens nerve, also known as the sixth cranial nerve, is an individual nerve that plays a crucial role in the control of eye movement. It is responsible for the contraction of the lateral rectus muscle, which allows the eye to move outwardly or laterally. The abducens nerve originates in the brainstem and travels through the skull to innervate the appropriate muscles. Dysfunction or damage to the abducens nerve can result in a condition known as abducens nerve palsy, which can cause difficulties in moving the affected eye laterally.