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Anatomic section through the cavernous sinus, showing the location of the cranial nerves

Of the cranial nerves in the cavernous sinus, III (oculomotor), IV (trochlear), V1 (ophthalmic nerve), and V2 (maxillary nerve) are located along the lateral wall, whereas VI (abducens, here written as "abducent") passes more centrally, and is, thus, more susceptible to damage from cavernous sinus pathology. Note also the proximity of the sphenoid sinus to the cavernous sinus.

(Source: Gray H, Lewis WH. Gray’s Anatomy of the Human Body. 20th edition. Philadelphia: Lea & Febiger, 1918. Public domain. Edited by Dr. Douglas J Lanska.)