Which cranial nerve is responsible for eye movement and is classified as motor?

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The Oculomotor Nerve is the cranial nerve responsible for eye movement and is classified as a motor nerve. It innervates the majority of the extraocular muscles, which are essential for controlling eye position and movements. Specifically, it controls the superior, inferior, and medial rectus muscles, as well as the inferior oblique muscle. Additionally, the Oculomotor Nerve also regulates the constriction of the pupil and maintains eyelid elevation through the levator palpebrae superioris muscle.

While other cranial nerves also play roles in eye movement, such as the Abducens Nerve and the Trochlear Nerve, the Oculomotor Nerve has the broadest function concerning controlling eye muscles. The Abducens Nerve specifically innervates the lateral rectus muscle for lateral eye movement, while the Trochlear Nerve innervates the superior oblique muscle involved in downward and inward movements. The Spinal Accessory Nerve, on the other hand, is primarily involved in head and shoulder movement, not in eye movement.

Thus, the Oculomotor Nerve stands out as the primary nerve responsible for a wide range of eye movements and essential functions of the eye, making it

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