Which of the following does NOT enter the lateral wall of the cavernous sinus?

Prepare for the NBEO Ocular Anatomy Posterior Segment and Cranial Nerves Test. Study with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each question has hints and explanations. Get ready for your exam!

Multiple Choice

Which of the following does NOT enter the lateral wall of the cavernous sinus?

Explanation:
The nerves that lie in the lateral wall of the cavernous sinus are the oculomotor (III), trochlear (IV), and the ophthalmic (V1) and maxillary (V2) divisions of the trigeminal nerve. They run between the two dural layers that form the lateral wall. The abducens nerve (VI) does not enter this wall; it travels inside the cavernous sinus proper, closely associated with the internal carotid artery. So it does not enter the lateral wall, which is why it’s the correct choice.

The nerves that lie in the lateral wall of the cavernous sinus are the oculomotor (III), trochlear (IV), and the ophthalmic (V1) and maxillary (V2) divisions of the trigeminal nerve. They run between the two dural layers that form the lateral wall. The abducens nerve (VI) does not enter this wall; it travels inside the cavernous sinus proper, closely associated with the internal carotid artery. So it does not enter the lateral wall, which is why it’s the correct choice.

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