Chapter contents Overview Somatic motor component Origin, central course Intracranial course Final innervation Visceral motor component Origin and course Final innervation

Cranial Nerve III - Oculomotor Nerve Page 6 of 16 Somatic motor component - intracranial course Upon emerging from the brainstem the oculomotor nerve passes between the posterior cerebral and superior cerebellar arteries and pierces the dura mater to enter the cavernous sinus. The nerve runs along the lateral wall of the cavernous sinus just superior to the trochlear nerve and enters the orbit via the superior orbital fissure. Figure 3-6. Somatic motor component - intracranial course.

Last revised: March 22, 1998