Cranial Nerves

Question 1

CN I

Answer 1

Olfactory
Function: smell
Test: smell test

Question 2

CN II

Answer 2

Optic
Function: visual acuity, visual fields, ocular fundi, pupillary reactions
Tests: Snellen; confrontation; ophthalmoscope to examine optic fundus; accommodation and convergence; direct and consensual pupillary light reflex

Question 3

CN III

Answer 3

Oculomotor
Function: pupillary reactions
Tests: direct and consensual; 6 cardinal fields; accommodation and convergence

Question 4

CN IV

Answer 4

Trochlear
Function: extraocular movements
Tests: 6 cardinal fields

Question 5

CN V

Answer 5

Trigeminal
Function: corneal reflexes, facial sensation, jaw movement
Tests: cotton ball (sensory); masseter engaged (motor)

Question 6

CN VI

Answer 6

Abducens
Function: extraocular movements
Tests: 6 cardinal fields

Question 7

CN VII

Answer 7

Facial
Function: facial movement
Tests: smile, frown, puff, don’t open

Question 8

CN VIII

Answer 8

Vestibulocochlear
Function: hearing
Tests: hearing acuity; Weber and RInne if suspected loss

Question 9

CN IX

Answer 9

Glossopharyngeal
Function: swallowing, rise of palate, gag reflex
Tests: ability to swallow; voice quality; say “ah”; gag reflex

Question 10

CN X

Answer 10

Vagus
Function: swallowing, rise of palate, gag reflex
Tests: ability to swallow; voice quality; say “ah”; gag reflex

Question 11

CN XI

Answer 11

Accessory (Spinal)
Function: movement of trapezius muscles
Tests: shrug shoulders against pressure (trapezius); turn head against hand (sternomastoid)

Question 12

CN XII

Answer 12

Hypoglossal
Function: voice and speech, tongue movement
Tests: articulation of words; stick out tongue (symmetry)