4.1 Origin of Cranial Nerves

Question 1

Origin of Olfactory Nerve

Answer 1

Does not join with brainstem.
Olfactory mucosa (roof of nasal cavity)

Question 2

Origin of Optic Nerve

Answer 2

Retina of the eye

Question 3

Origin of Occulomotor Nerve for motor fibres and autonomic fibres

Answer 3

Occulomotor ncleus (motor)
Edinger-Westphal nucleus (autonomic)
Anterior aspect of midbrain

Question 4

Origin of Trochlear nerve

Answer 4

Trochlear nucleus

Posterior aspect of midbrain

Question 5

Origin of trigeminal nerve for motor and sensory components.

Answer 5

Sensory:
Mesencephalic, principal sensory and spinal nuclei of trigeminal nerve (Sensory).
Motor nucleus of trigeminal nerve (Motor).
Extending from midbrain to medulla.

Question 6

Origin of abducens nerve

Answer 6

Abducens nucleus in pons

Question 7

Origin of facial nerve

Answer 7

Motor: Facial motor nerve nucleus in pons
Sensory: Nucleus solitarius in pons
Autonomic: Superior salivatory nucleus

Question 8

Origin of vestibulocochlear nerve

Answer 8

Vestibular component: Vestibular nuclei complex in medulla and pons
Cochlear componeny: Ventral and dorsal cochlear nuclei situated in the inferior cerebellar peduncle.

Question 9

Origin of glossopharygeal nerve

Answer 9

Medulla oblongata of the brain

Question 10

Origin of vagus nerve

Answer 10

Medulla of the brainstem

Question 11

Origin of spinal accessory nerve

Answer 11

Neurones of upper spinal cord, C1-C5

Question 12

Origin of hypoglossal nerve

Answer 12

Arises from the hypoglossal nucleus in the medulla oblongata.