The cavernous sinus lies lateral to the sella turcica and contains multiple important structures. Which cranial nerve travels within the substance of the lateral wall of the cavernous sinus but NOT through its interior?

• A CN V1 (ophthalmic) and CN V2 (maxillary) divisions of trigeminal nerve ✓
• B Abducens nerve (CN VI)
• C Oculomotor nerve (CN III)
• D Internal carotid artery sympathetic plexus

Explanation

In the cavernous sinus, the internal carotid artery and abducens nerve (CN VI) travel within the sinus lumen (free within the venous blood). The oculomotor (CN III), trochlear (CN IV), and ophthalmic (V1) and maxillary (V2) divisions of the trigeminal nerve run within the lateral dural wall of the sinus. CN VI is most vulnerable to raised intracranial pressure as it has the longest intradural course. A cavernous sinus lesion typically presents with painful ophthalmoplegia and loss of corneal sensation.

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

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.