Cranial Nerves and their Functions

Question 1

I Olfactory

Answer 1

Sensory - Smell (sends information from nasal mucosa to olfactory bulb)

Question 2

II Optic

Answer 2

Sensory - Vision (sends messages from retina to visual cortex and superior colliculus (visual reflexes))

Question 3

III Oculomotor

Answer 3

Motor - Eye movement; regulation of pupil; accomodation of lens for near vision; upper lid elevation

Question 4

IV Trochlear

Answer 4

Motor - Eye movement

Question 5

V Trigeminal

Answer 5

Motor - Mastication

Sensory - Sensation (face, orbit, oral structures)

Question 6

VI Abducens

Answer 6

Motor - Eye movement

Question 7

VII Facial

Answer 7

Motor - Facial expression; secretion of saliva and tears

Sensory - Taste (anterior 2/3 of tongue)

Question 8

VIII Acoustic; vestibulocochlear

Answer 8

Sensory - Equilibrium and audition

Question 9

IX Glossopharyngeal

Answer 9

Motor - Swallowing

Sensory - Taste (posterior 1/3 of tongue; visceral sensation from palate and oral pharynx)

Question 10

X Vagus

Answer 10

Motor - Phonation and swallowing

Sensation - Pharyngeal cavity, thoracic and abdominal organs

Question 11

XI Accessory

Answer 11

Motor - Head movement and shoulder elevation

Question 12

XII Hypoglossal

Answer 12

Motor - Tongue movement