cardinal position of gaze, (in ophthalmology) one of six positions to which the normal eye may be turned. This test evaluates the functioning of the six extraocular muscles and cranial nerves III, IV, and VI. The positions and the corresponding muscles and nerves are as follows: (1) straight nasal: medial rectus and the third cranial nerve; (2) up nasal: inferior oblique and the third cranial nerve; (3) down nasal: superior oblique and the fourth cranial nerve; (4) straight temporal: lateral rectus and the sixth cranial nerve; (5) up temporal: superior rectus and the third cranial nerve; and (6) down temporal: inferior rectus and the third cranial nerve. Also called extraocular movement.
