481.During a cranial nerve test, the patient cannot elevate her right eye from the abducted position. Which of the following muscles is paralyzed?

A. Right inferior oblique
B. Right inferior rectus
C. Right lateral rectus
D. Right superior oblique
E. Right superior rectus
The correct answer is E. The superior rectus muscle can elevate and adduct the eye from the
neutral position. From the abducted position, it is the only muscle that can elevate the eye.
The inferior oblique muscle (choice A) can elevate and abduct the eye from the neutral position.
From the adducted position, it is the only muscle that can elevate the eye.
The inferior rectus muscle (choice B) can depress and adduct the eye from the neutral position. From
the abducted position, it is the only muscle that can depress the eye.
The lateral rectus muscle (choice C) can abduct the eye.
The superior oblique muscle (choice D) can depress and abduct the eye from the neutral position.
From the adducted position, it is the only muscle that can depress the eye