CLINICAL ANATOMY OF CRANIAL NERVE III, IV & VI

CRANIAL NERVE III (OCULOMOTOR)

Entirely MOTOR in function. Has two motor nuclei 1. Main motor nucleus 2. Accessory parasympathetic nucleus Main motor nucleus located at anterior part of gray matter surrounding the cerebral aqueduct of the midbrain Lies at the level of superior colliculus Supply ALL extrinsic muscle of the eye EXCEPT superior oblique & lateral rectus. Outgoing nerve emerge at interpeduncular fossa The accessory parasympathetic nucleus (Edinger Westphal nucleus) is situated posterior to the main oculomotor nucleus.

 Preganglion axon accompanied the oculomotor fibers then synapse in ciliary ganglion Postganglionic fibers pass through short ciliary nerves to constrictor pupillae of the iris & the ciliary muscles. Received From corticonucleus fiber: accomodation reflex From pretectal nucleus fiber: direct & consensual light reflex.

Ant. Surface of midbrain

Lateral wall of carvenous sinus

Superior orbital fissure

 Supplies extrinsic muscle of the eye: levator palpebrae superioris, superior rectus, medial and inferior rectus & inferior oblique. Also supplies intrinsic muscles: the constrictor pupillae of the iris & ciliary muscle. Responsible for: Lifting upper eyelid Turning the eye upward, downward & medially Constricting pupil Accommodating the eye

CRANIAL NERVE IV (TROCHLEAR)

Entirely MOTOR in function. Located at anterior part of gray matter surrounding the cerebral aqueduct of the midbrain Inferior to ocular motor nucleus at level of inferior colliculus