Which cranial nerves are commonly affected in SOF syndrome?

The correct answer is the group of cranial nerves that includes III (oculomotor), IV (trochlear), and VI (abducens), which are commonly affected in Superior Orbital Fissure (SOF) syndrome. This condition typically arises due to compression or invasion of the nerves running through the superior orbital fissure due to various pathological processes, such as tumors or vascular anomalies.

Cranial nerve III is responsible for most eye movements, constriction of the pupil, and maintaining an open eyelid. Damage to this nerve can lead to symptoms such as ptosis (drooping of the eyelid), diplopia (double vision), and pupillary dilation. Cranial nerve IV controls the superior oblique muscle, which helps in the downward and inward movement of the eye, while cranial nerve VI innervates the lateral rectus muscle, responsible for the abduction of the eye. Dysfunction of any of these nerves results in specific ocular motility deficits, which characterize the symptoms associated with SOF syndrome.

The other combinations of cranial nerves mentioned do not correlate with the typical presentation of SOF syndrome. For example, the first group features olfactory, optic, and trigeminal nerves, which are not primarily