Extraocular muscle nerve supply mnemonic

Nerve supply of the extraocular muscles

The mnemonic

LR6 SO4, all the rest 3

What each word stands for

  • LR6Lateral rectus is supplied by the abducens nerve (CN VI)
  • SO4Superior oblique is supplied by the trochlear nerve (CN IV)
  • all the rest 3Other extraocular muscles and levator palpebrae are supplied by the oculomotor nerve (CN III)

Why it matters clinically

Lets you predict the eye position and diplopia in each cranial nerve palsy.

Where it stops being reliable

Does not give actions of the muscles or the pupillary fibres.

Teaching aid, still awaiting independent review. Confirm facts in a standard source.

More mnemonics

Common questions

What is the Extraocular muscle nerve supply mnemonic?

LR6 SO4, all the rest 3. It helps you recall: Nerve supply of the extraocular muscles.

What does "LR6" stand for?

Lateral rectus is supplied by the abducens nerve (CN VI)

What does "SO4" stand for?

Superior oblique is supplied by the trochlear nerve (CN IV)

What does "all the rest 3" stand for?

Other extraocular muscles and levator palpebrae are supplied by the oculomotor nerve (CN III)

What are all the parts of the LR6 SO4, all the rest 3 mnemonic?

LR6: Lateral rectus is supplied by the abducens nerve (CN VI); SO4: Superior oblique is supplied by the trochlear nerve (CN IV); all the rest 3: Other extraocular muscles and levator palpebrae are supplied by the oculomotor nerve (CN III).

Which topic does this mnemonic belong to?

It belongs to Extraocular muscle nerve supply in Ophthalmology.

Where does this mnemonic stop being reliable?

Does not give actions of the muscles or the pupillary fibres.

How is this useful clinically?

Lets you predict the eye position and diplopia in each cranial nerve palsy.

How do I make this mnemonic stick?

Say it aloud, write it from memory tomorrow, then again in a week. Then test yourself on a Ophthalmology question about Extraocular muscle nerve supply.

Is this a standard mnemonic?

It is a teaching aid written or adapted by our team. Some resemble ones students share informally. Check any fact that matters in a standard source.