The abducent nerve, also known as the sixth cranial nerve or VI nerve, is responsible for controlling the movement of the lateral rectus muscle in the eye. This nerve originates in the brainstem and passes through the cavernous sinus before reaching the eye. Synonyms for the abducent nerve include the abducens nerve, the lateral rectus nerve, the sixth nerve, and the VI nerve. These terms are used interchangeably to describe the same nerve and its functions. Damage to the abducent nerve can result in double vision or difficulty moving the eye laterally. Diagnosis and treatment of abducent nerve disorders are typically carried out by an ophthalmologist or a neurologist.