Question

• List all cranial nerves and their function.
• Using your own words, describe how cranial nerves are related to the special senses.

Answer 1

Total number of cranial nerves = 12
1. Cranial nerve I: Olfactory nerve: Smell
2. Cranial nerve II: Optic nerve: Vision
3. Cranial nerve III: Oculomotor nerve: Muscle movements of the eye
4. Cranial nerve IV: Trochlear nerve: Eye movemnt
5. Cranial nerve V: Trigeminal nerve: Largest cranial nerve. Involved in chewing and face sensation
6. Cranial nerve VI: Abducens nerve: Movement of eyes
7. Cranial nerve VII: Facial nerve: Salivation and movement of face
8. Cranial nerve VIII: Vestibulocochlear nerve: Hearing and balance
9. Cranial nerve XI: Glossopharyngeal nerve: Swallowing and taste
10. Cranial nerve X: Vagus nerve: Digestion and heart rate
11. Cranial nerve XI: Acessory nerve: Movement of head
12. Cranial nerve XII: Hypoglossal nerve: Movement of tongue