The abducent nerve [VI] carries GSE fibers to innervate the lateral rectus muscle in the orbit. It arises from the brainstem between the pons and medulla and passes forward, piercing the dura covering the clivus (Figs. 8.53 and 8.54). Continuing upward in a dural canal, it crosses the superior edge of the petrous part of the temporal bone, enters and crosses the cavernous sinus (see Fig. 8.45) just inferolateral to the internal carotid artery, and enters the orbit through the superior orbital fissure.