Perphial Nervous System

Question 1

What does the PNS do?

Answer 1

Transmits information to the CNS and carries instructions from the CNS

The PNS is essential for communication between the central nervous system and the rest of the body.

Question 2

How many pairs of cranial nerves are there?

Answer 2

12 pairs

Cranial nerves are responsible for relaying impulses to and from the brain.

Question 3

How many pairs of spinal nerves are there?

Answer 3

31 pairs

This results in a total of 62 spinal nerves.

Question 4

What are cranial nerves referred to by?

Answer 4

Both a name and a number

Each cranial nerve has a specific function and is identified uniquely.

Question 5

Where do all but the first two cranial nerves originate from?

Answer 5

The brain stem

This is important for understanding their functions and pathways.

Question 6

What is the function of the Olfactory Nerve (I)?

Answer 6

Smell

Question 7

What is the function of the Optic Nerve (II)?

Answer 7

Vision

Question 8

What does the Oculomotor Nerve (III) control?

Answer 8

Eye movements, opening of eyelid, constriction of pupil, focusing

Question 9

What is the role of the Trochlear Nerve (IV)?

Answer 9

Inferior and lateral movement of the eyeball

Question 10

What functions does the Trigeminal Nerve (V) serve?

Answer 10

Facial sensation and jaw motion

Question 11

What is the function of the Abducens Nerve (VI)?

Answer 11

Lateral movement of the eye

Question 12

What does the Facial Nerve (VII) control?

Answer 12

Facial movements and taste

Question 13

What are the functions of the Vestibulocochlear Nerve (VIII)?

Answer 13

Hearing and balance

Question 14

What does the Glossopharyngeal Nerve (IX) assist with?

Answer 14

Swallowing, gag reflex, salivation, taste and pain from the tongue, sensations from the external ear

Question 15

What is the primary function of the Vagus Nerve (X)?

Answer 15

Autonomic control of heart, lungs, digestion, taste, communication between brain and organs

Question 16

What muscles does the Accessory Nerve (XI) control?

Answer 16

Motor system, trapezius movements, sternocleidomastoid movements (shoulder and neck movements)

Question 17

What is the function of the Hypoglossal Nerve (XII)?

Answer 17

Tongue movements

Question 18

True or False: All cranial nerves are mixed nerves.

Answer 18

False

Some cranial nerves are only afferent, some only efferent, and some are mixed.

Question 19

List the tests you can perform to check cranial nerve function.

Answer 19

• Smell test
• Pupils equal, reactive, can read, has peripheral vision
• Eyes follow hand without moving head
• Touch face on each side
• Raise and lower eyebrows, smile, puff out cheeks
• Hear fingers rubbing or whisper in ear
• Open mouth, gag reflex
• Shrug shoulders, look to the left and right, raise and lower chin
• Move tongue around