Within the cavernous sinus, which cranial nerve travels centrally with the internal carotid artery?

Within the cavernous sinus, which cranial nerve travels centrally with the internal carotid artery?

• A. CN III
• B. CN IV
• C. CN VI
• D. CN V2

Answer: (C)

Within the cavernous sinus, most nerves lie in the lateral wall, but the abducens nerve travels through the sinus itself, closely accompanying the internal carotid artery. This central course with the ICA is why it is described as traveling centrally with the artery. The abducens nerve’s position makes its function particularly affected by cavernous sinus or carotid pathology, and when it’s impaired, the result is an inability to abduct the eye due to weakness of the lateral rectus.