ABDUCENS Meaning and
Definition
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Abducens refers to a term used in anatomy and physiology to describe the sixth cranial nerve, which is also known as the abducens nerve or cranial nerve VI. This nerve emerges from the pons in the brainstem and primarily innervates the lateral rectus muscle of the eye. Its main function is to control the abduction movement of the eye, which refers to the outward movement of the eyeball away from the nose.
The abducens nerve plays a crucial role in maintaining normal eye coordination, as it coordinates with the other extraocular muscles to control eye movements in a synchronized manner. Dysfunction or damage to the abducens nerve can lead to a condition called abducens nerve palsy, which causes impaired lateral eye movement, resulting in an inability to abduct the eye effectively.
Within the field of medicine, abducens can also be used to refer to conditions or disorders related to the abducens nerve, such as abducens nerve palsy. Additionally, studies involving this nerve are conducted to gain a deeper understanding of its anatomy, function, and potential treatments for associated disorders.
In summary, abducens pertains to the sixth cranial nerve responsible for controlling eye abduction.
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A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for ABDUCENS
Etymology of ABDUCENS
The word "abducens" comes from the Latin phrase "abducens oculi", which can be translated as "the one that abducts the eye". It is derived from the Latin verb "abducere", meaning "to lead away" or "to draw away", and "oculus", meaning "eye". In anatomy, the term "abducens" refers to the sixth cranial nerve, which innervates the lateral rectus muscle responsible for the abduction (lateral movement) of the eye.
Similar spelling words for ABDUCENS
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