cranial nerve III

Last reviewed 01/2018

The oculomotor nerve innervates all of the muscles controlling movements of the eye except for the lateral rectus - cranial nerve VI - and the superior oblique - IV. Thus, it is reponsible for all movements of the eye apart from abducting - lateral rectus - and looking down whilst adducted - superior oblique.

The parasympathetic supply of the eye is also from the oculomotor nerve. This maintains elevation of the eyelid, constricts the pupil and allows broadening of the lens via levator palpebrae superioris, sphincter pupillae and the ciliary muscle, respectively.