Which cranial nerve passes through the cavernous sinus embedded within its lateral wall (as opposed to those passing through its lumen)?

• A CN V1 (ophthalmic) — upper part of lateral wall
• B Internal carotid artery sympathetics
• C CN III (oculomotor)
• D CN VI (abducens) ✓

Explanation

CN VI (abducens) passes through the lumen of the cavernous sinus, running medial to CN III, IV, V1, and V2 which travel in the lateral wall. Because CN VI lies freely within the sinus lumen, it is the most vulnerable cranial nerve in raised intracranial pressure (false localising sign) and in cavernous sinus thrombosis. CN III, IV, V1, and V2 travel in the lateral dural wall and are relatively protected from intra-sinus pressure changes.

Reference: BD Chaurasia's Human Anatomy, 8th ed.

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Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.