Neuroanatomy of Eye Movements

The neuroanatomy of eye movements involves specific brain regions and nerve pathways that control how the eyes move and focus. Key parts include the brainstem and cerebellum, which coordinate eye positioning and smooth tracking. Cranial nerves III (oculomotor), IV (trochlear), and VI (abducens) directly supply muscles that move the eyes in different directions. Signals from these nerves originate in the brainstem and are refined by the cerebellum to ensure precise, coordinated movements such as looking around, focusing on objects, or maintaining steady gaze. This complex network allows us to rapidly and accurately shift our focus and maintain visual stability.