Related Experiment Video

Updated: Feb 18, 2026

Optic Nerve Transection: A Model of Adult Neuron Apoptosis in the Central Nervous System

Optic Nerve Transection: A Model of Adult Neuron Apoptosis in the Central Nervous System

Published on: May 12, 2011

Supernumerary Abducens Nerves: A Comprehensive Review

Joy M H Wang¹, Bryan Adam Edwards¹, Marios Loukas¹

¹Department of Anatomical Sciences, St. George's University, Grenada, West Indies.

World Neurosurgery

|November 22, 2017

Abstract

Background:

Branching and/or replication of the abducens nerve is not an uncommon occurrence. Although numerous variations have been documented, the rarest forms are duplicated or triplicated nerves, where multiple nerve roots originate from the brainstem, travel intracranially, and attach to the lateral rectus as separate entities.

Methods:

We conducted a systematic literature search on the topic of supernumerary abducens nerve, using PubMed and Google Scholar.

Results:

After screening, 16 studies were included: 11 cadaveric studies and 6 case reports.

Conclusions:

In this paper, we review the literature on variations found, discuss current hypotheses and clinical relevance, and propose future studies. Neurosurgeons should be aware of such nerve variants when viewing imaging or operating in the regions traversed by the abducens nerve.

Keywords:

Abducens Anatomy Branching Cranial nerves Cranium Duplication Neurosurgery Skull base Variation

More Related Videos

Partial Optic Nerve Transection in Rats: A Model Established with a New Operative Approach to Assess Secondary Degeneration of Retinal Ganglion Cells

Partial Optic Nerve Transection in Rats: A Model Established with a New Operative Approach to Assess Secondary Degeneration of Retinal Ganglion Cells

Published on: October 15, 2017

Grossing of Non-neoplastic Globes, Including Fetal Eyes

Grossing of Non-neoplastic Globes, Including Fetal Eyes

Published on: May 30, 2025

Related Concept Videos

Cranial Nerves: Types Part I

Cranial Nerves: Types Part I

Cranial nerves are responsible for transmitting motor and sensory information between the brain and various parts of the body. There are twelve pairs of cranial nerves, with the first six being essential in sensory perception, motor control, and autonomic functions related to the head and neck.
Olfactory Nerve (Cranial Nerve I)
The olfactory nerve, or cranial nerve I, is unique as it is purely sensory and dedicated to the sense of smell. This nerve originates in the olfactory epithelium of the...

Muscles of the Eye

Muscles of the Eye

The muscles of the eye are sophisticated structures that control eye movement and focus, allowing for the precise and rapid adjustments necessary for vision. The human eye is controlled by ten muscles — six extraocular muscles, three intraocular muscles, and one primary eyelid retractor muscle.
Extraocular Muscles
The six extraocular muscles surround the eyeball and control its movements. They are responsible for a wide range of eye motions, including looking up, down, left, right, and...

Accessory Structures of the Eye

Accessory Structures of the Eye

Optical perception, or vision, is an extraordinary sense dependent on converting light signals received via the ocular organs. These organs, known as eyes, are securely positioned within the bony cavities of the skull, called orbits. The orbits serve a dual purpose: a protective shield for the ocular globes and a stable attachment point for the soft ocular tissues. The eye's external protective mechanisms include the eyelids, which are edged with lashes that act as a barrier against foreign...

Cranial Nerves: Types Part II

Cranial Nerves: Types Part II

Cranial nerves are responsible for transmitting motor and sensory information between the brain and various parts of the body. There are twelve pairs of cranial nerves. While the first six innervate the head and neck, the latter six nerves innervate the head and neck, as well as organs and tissues in the thoracic and abdominal cavities. They facilitate communication, expression, and autonomic control within the human body.
Facial Nerve (Cranial Nerve VII)
Cranial nerve VII, or the facial nerve,...

Cranial Nerves: Overview and Anatomy

Cranial Nerves: Overview and Anatomy

The cranial nerves are an important part of the complex network of nerves in the human body. These nerves emerge directly from the brain and are responsible for transmitting essential information between the brain and various parts of the head and neck. There are 12 pairs of cranial nerves, systematically numbered using Roman numerals from I to XII, beginning from the anterior and moving to the posterior of the brain. Each cranial nerve is uniquely identified by names that reflect its function...

Articles linked to this work by shared authors, journal, and citation graph.

Radiological evolution of peri-odontoid pannus in a patient with Chiari I malformation: a case-based review.

Child's nervous system : ChNS : official journal of the International Society for Pediatric Neurosurgery·2017

Relationship between pharyngitis and peri-odontoid pannus: A new etiology for some Chiari I malformations?

Clinical anatomy (New York, N.Y.)·2015

Cross-sectional sonographic assessment of the posterior interosseous nerve.

Surgical and radiologic anatomy : SRA·2015

Herbal diuretics in medieval Persian and Arabic medicine.

Journal of alternative and complementary medicine (New York, N.Y.)·2015

Coronary artery fistula: a review.

Cardiovascular pathology : the official journal of the Society for Cardiovascular Pathology·2015

A comprehensive review of the sub-axial ligaments of the vertebral column: part II histology and embryology.

Child's nervous system : ChNS : official journal of the International Society for Pediatric Neurosurgery·2015

See all related articles