Abducent n

The abducent n. (CN VI, or abducens n.) has a single modality and a single target, it supplies motor innervation to the lateral rectus m.  The nerve travels through the cavernous sinus before passing through the superior orbital fissure to enter the orbit.  Due to the small size of the abducent n. it is especially prone to compression neuropathy if a venous thrombosis occurs within the cavernous sinus.

The lateral rectus m. directs the gaze laterally, or could be said to abduct the gaze, hence the name abducent n.