Cranial Nerve Functions

Question 1

Olfactory

Answer 1

SENSORY: Transmits sense of smell from the nasal cavity to the brain

Question 2

Optic

Answer 2

SENSORY: Transmits visual signals from the retina of the eye to the brain

Question 3

Oculomotor

Answer 3

MOTOR: Allows eye movement

Question 4

Trochlear

Answer 4

MOTOR: Allows eye movement

Question 5

Trigeminal

Answer 5

BOTH: Receives sensations from the face and stimulates jaw movement

Question 6

Abducens

Answer 6

MOTOR: Allows for abduction of the eye

Question 7

Facial

Answer 7

BOTH: Allows facial movement, stimulates lachrymal and salivary secretions and receives taste information from the anterior 2/3 of the tongue

Question 8

Vestibulocochlear

Answer 8

SENSORY: Mediates sensation of sound, rotation, and gravity (essential for balance and movement). More specifically, the vestibular branch carries impulses for equilibrium and the cochlear branch carries impulses for hearing.

Question 9

Glossopharyngeal

Answer 9

BOTH: receives taste from posterior 2/3 of the tongue. Involved in the gag reflex. Stimulates salivary gland and allows head movement.

Question 10

Vagus

Answer 10

BOTH: Responsible for muscles controlling the voice, Involved in the gag reflex.

Question 11

Accessory

Answer 11

MOTOR: Controls the sternocleidomastoid and trapezius muscles, and overlaps with functions of the vagus nerve

Question 12

Hypoglossal

Answer 12

MOTOR: Provides motor innervation to the muscles of the tongue. Important in swallowing and speech articulation