Cranial Nerve Origins

Question 1

Olfactory

Answer 1

Roof of Nasal Cavity

Question 2

Optic

Answer 2

Retina

Question 3

Oculomotor

Answer 3

Midbrain (medial part of midbrain)

Question 4

Trochlear

Answer 4

Midbrain (lateral side of the midbrain)

Question 5

Trigeminal

Answer 5

• Mesencephalic Nucleus in the midbrain.
• Principle (Central) pontine nucleus (PONS).
• Spinal Nucleus in the medulla oblongata.
• Trigeminal motor nucleus in the PONS.

Question 6

Abducens

Answer 6

Pons

Question 7

Facial

Answer 7

Pons

Question 8

Vestibulocochlear

Answer 8

Pons and Medulla Oblongata

Question 9

Glossopharyngeal

Answer 9

Medulla Oblongata

Question 10

Vagus

Answer 10

Medulla Oblongata

Question 11

Accessory

Answer 11

Spinal Component:
Origin: Upper spinal cord.
Path: Ascends into skull via foramen magnum → Briefly joins cranial component → Exits through jugular foramen.
Function: Innervates neck muscles (sternocleidomastoid & trapezius) for head-turning and shoulder-shrugging.

Cranial Component:
Origin: Medulla oblongata (brain).
Path: Briefly joins spinal component → Descends to join the vagus nerve.
Function: With vagus nerve, innervates throat muscles (pharynx & larynx).

Question 12

Hypoglossal

Answer 12

Medulla oblongata

Question 13

Answer 13