Cranial Nerves

Question 1

Olfactory nerve

Answer 1

Olfactory epithelium > cribriform plate > olfactory bulb > primary olfactory cortex

Functions - sensory, carry’s afferent impulses for the sense of smell

Question 2

Optic nerve

Answer 2

Retina > optic nerves through optic canal & converge in chiasm > thalamus > optic radiation to visual cortex

Functions - sensory, carry’s afferent impulses for vision

Question 3

Oculomotor nerve

Answer 3

Ventral midbrain > superior orbital fissure > extrinsic eye muscles

Functions - motor, raising eyelid, directing eyeball, constricting iris, controlling lens shape

Question 4

Trochlear nerve

Answer 4

Dorsal midbrain > enter orbits via superior orbital fissure > innervates superior oblique muscle

Function - motor, directs the eyeball

Question 5

Abducens

Answer 5

Inferior pons > enters orbits via superior orbital fissure

Function - motor, innervates lateral rectus muscle (abducts eye)

Question 6

Trigeminal nerve

Answer 6

3 divisions: ophthalmic, maxillary, mandibular

Face > pons via superior orbital fissure, foramen rotundum & foramen ovale

Function - motor, conveys sensory impulses from face & supplies motor fibres for mastication