Overview of Cranial Nerves and Functions

There are twelve pairs of cranial nerves, numbered CN1 through CN12.
Each cranial nerve has specific functions primarily related to sensation, motor control, and autonomic functions.

A memorable phrase helps recall the order of cranial nerves: "On Occasion Oliver Tries To Anally F*** Various Guys. Vaginas Are History!"

CN1: Olfactory Nerve - responsible for sense of smell.
CN2: Optic Nerve - responsible for vision.
CN3: Oculomotor Nerve - controls eye movements and pupil constriction.
CN4: Trochlear Nerve - controls the superior oblique muscle of the eye.
CN5: Trigeminal Nerve - sensation to the face; divided into ophthalmic, maxillary, and mandibular branches.
CN6: Abducens Nerve - controls lateral rectus muscle for outward eye movement.
CN7: Facial Nerve - controls muscles of facial expression and taste sensations.
CN8: Vestibulocochlear Nerve - responsible for hearing and balance.
CN9: Glossopharyngeal Nerve - taste and general sensory from the posterior third of the tongue and contributes to swallowing.
CN10: Vagus Nerve - provides parasympathetic control over the heart, lungs, and digestive tract.
CN11: Accessory Nerve - supplies sternocleidomastoid and trapezius muscles.
CN12: Hypoglossal Nerve - controls the muscles of the tongue for speech and swallowing.

CN1: Passes through the Cribiform Plate.
CN2: Passes through the Optic Canal.
CN3 and CN4: Pass through the Superior Orbital Fissure.
CN5: Has multiple openings - Superior Orbital Fissure, Foramen Rotundum, and Foramen Ovale.
CN6: Passes through the Superior Orbital Fissure.
CN7 and CN8: Pass through the Internal Acoustic Meatus.
CN9, CN10, and CN11: Pass through the Jugular Foramen.
CN12: Passes through the Hypoglossal Canal.