Veterinary Technician Practice Exam

What is the name of cranial nerve IV that sends motor impulses to one external eye muscle (dorsal oblique)?

1. Optic nerve

2. Trigeminal nerve

3. Abducens nerve

4. Trochlear nerve

The correct answer is: Trochlear nerve

The correct answer is Trochlear nerve, which is cranial nerve IV. This nerve is primarily responsible for sending motor impulses to the dorsal oblique muscle of the eye, which plays a significant role in eye movement and coordination. The dorsal oblique muscle helps in rotating the eye downward and outward, allowing for controlled movement and focus. Other options include the optic nerve, which is responsible for vision rather than motor control; the trigeminal nerve, which is mainly involved in sensory information and mastication; and the abducens nerve, which innervates another eye muscle but not the dorsal oblique. Each of these nerves has distinct functions that differ from the specific motor function attributed to the trochlear nerve.