Cranial Nerves Flashcards

Cranial Nerves Overview

• There are 12 pairs of cranial nerves, each with specific sensory or motor functions.
• Cranial nerves are numbered I to XII, based on their position from anterior to posterior.

I Olfactory

• Responsible for the sense of smell.
• Classified as a sensory nerve.

II Optic

• Provides vision by transmitting visual information from the retina.
• Classified as a sensory nerve.

III Oculomotor

• Controls eyelid elevation and most eye movements.
• Classified as a motor nerve.

IV Trochlear

• Innervates the superior oblique muscle, allowing the eye to move downward and laterally.
• Classified as a motor nerve.

V Trigeminal

• Involved in chewing and provides sensation for the face and mouth, detecting touch and pain.
• Classified as both sensory and motor.

VI Abducens

• Responsible for lateral movement of the eye.
• Classified as a motor nerve.

VII Facial

• Controls the majority of facial expressions, coordinates secretion of tears and saliva, and provides taste sensations.
• Classified as both sensory and motor.

VIII Vestibulocochlear

• Enables hearing and contributes to balance/equilibrium.
• Classified as a sensory nerve.

IX Glossopharyngeal

• Responsible for taste sensations and monitoring carotid body blood pressure.
• Classified as both sensory and motor.

X Vagus

• Plays a crucial role in autonomic functions such as heart rate, gastrointestinal stimulation, and taste.
• Senses blood pressure from the aorta, contributing to heart rate regulation.
• Classified as both sensory and motor.

XI Spinal Accessory

• Controls the muscles of the trapezius and sternocleidomastoid, vital for shoulder elevation and head movement.
• Also assists in swallowing.
• Classified as a motor nerve.

XII Hypoglossal

• Governs tongue movements essential for speech and swallowing.
• Classified as a motor nerve.