This is the sixth nerve rising from the brain and controls the external rectus muscle of the eye, which turns the eye outwards. It is particularly liable to be paralysed in diseases of the nervous system, thus leading to an inward squint.
The sixth cranial nerve, known as the abducent nerve, is responsible for supplying the lateral rectus muscle of each eye. This muscle plays a crucial role in moving the eyeball outward. Originating in the pons, a part of the brainstem, the abducent nerve travels along the base of the skull and enters the posterior part of the eye socket through a gap formed between the skull bones.
Fractures occurring at the base of the skull or certain disorders like brain tumors that cause distortions can lead to damage of the abducent nerve. This damage can result in symptoms such as double vision or a squint, where the eyes are not properly aligned.