Eye position is controlled by which cranial nerves?

• A. III, IV, VI, VIII
• B. II, VIII
• C. III, IV, V
• D. II, III, IV

Answer: (A)

Eye position is governed by the extraocular muscles, which are innervated by three cranial nerves: oculomotor (III), trochlear (IV), and abducens (VI). The oculomotor nerve supplies most of the eye muscles (medial, superior, and inferior rectus; inferior oblique) and also lifts the upper eyelid. The trochlear nerve carries motor input to the superior oblique, which depresses and intorts the eye. The abducens nerve controls the lateral rectus, moving the eye outward (abduction). Together, these three nerves coordinate all directions of gaze.

Other listed nerves do not move the eye. The optic nerve (II) is sensory for vision, the vestibulocochlear nerve (VIII) handles hearing and balance, and the trigeminal nerve (V) has facial sensation and other functions but does not drive the extraocular muscles. So eye position is controlled by III, IV, and VI.