Cranial Nerve Functions

Question 1

CN I

Answer 1

Olfactory

Classification: Sensory

Function: Smell

Nuclei Location: Primary Olfactory Cortex (Temporal Lobe)

Question 2

CN II

Answer 2

Optic

Classification: Sensory

Function: Vision

Nuclei Location: Visual Cortex (Occipital Lobe)

Question 3

CN III

Answer 3

Oculomotor

Classification: Motor

Function:
- Raises eye lid
- Moves eye (superior, inferior, & medially)
- Constricts pupils/lens

Nuclei Location: Mid Brain

Question 4

CN IV

Answer 4

Trochlear (smallest)

Classification: Motor

Function: Moves eye (lateral & inferior)

Nuclei Location: Mid Brain

Question 5

CN V

Answer 5

Trigeminal (largest)

Classification: Both

Function: (3 Divisions)
- Opthalamic: Cornea, facial sensations
- Maxillary: Facial sensations
- Mandibular: Facial sensations, mastication

Nuclei Location: Brain Stem

Question 6

CN VI

Answer 6

Abducens

Classification: Motor

Function: Moves eye (laterally)

Nuclei Location: Pons

Question 7

CN VII

Answer 7

Facial (Bell’s Palsy)

Classification: Both

Function:
- Facial expressions
- Taste in 2/3 of anterior tongue
- Sublingual & submandibular salivary glands

Nuclei Location: Pons

Question 8

CN VIII

Answer 8

Vestibularcochlear: (2 branches)
- Vestibular: sensory from equilibrium receptors
- Cochlear: sensory from hearing receptors

Classification: Sensory

Function:
- Proprioception of position/head movement
- Hearing

Nuclei Location: Pons/Medulla Junction

Question 9

CN IX

Answer 9

Glossopharangeal

Classification: Both

Function:
- Sensory from pharynx/tongue (posterior 1/3)
- Parotid gland
- Muscles of swallowing

Nuclei Location: Medulla Oblongata

Question 10

CN X

Answer 10

Vagus

Classification: Both

Function:
- Regulates HR, larynx, lungs, liver, kidneys, & pancreas
- “Gag reflex”

Nuclei Location: Medulla Oblongata

Question 11

CN XI

Answer 11

Accessory: (2 branches)
- Cranial: Merges with CN X muscles of soft palate/pharynx/larynx
- Spinal: Sternocleidomastoid & trapezius

Classification: Motor

Function: Muscles of soft palate, pharynx, larynx, sternocleidomastoid, & trapezius

Nuclei Location: Medulla Oblongata

Question 12

CN XII

Answer 12

Hypoglossal

Classification: Motor

Function:
– Muscles of tongue
– Controls shape and movement (speaking, chewing, swallowing)

Nuclei Location: Medulla Oblongata