The Cranial Nerves

Question 1

Olfactory nerve (CN I)

Answer 1

Function: Smell
Classification: Sensory

Question 2

Optic nerve (CN II)

Answer 2

Function: Vision
Classification: Sensory

Question 3

Oculomotor nerve (CN III)

Answer 3

Function: Eye movement, eyelid elevation, pupil constriction, and lens shape
Classification: Motor and Parasympathetic

Question 4

Trochlear nerve (CN IV)

Answer 4

Function: Eye movement (superior oblique muscle)
Classification: Motor

Question 5

Trigeminal nerve (CN V)

Answer 5

Function: Sensation from the face, scalp, and teeth; motor for mastication (chewing)
Classification: Both Sensory and Motor

Question 6

Abducens nerve (CN VI)

Answer 6

Function: Eye movement (lateral rectus muscle)
Classification: Motor

Question 7

Facial nerve (CN VII)

Answer 7

Function: Facial expression, taste (anterior 2/3 of the tongue), lacrimal and salivary gland secretion
Classification: Both Sensory, Motor, and Parasympathetic

Question 8

Vestibulocochlear nerve (CN VIII)

Answer 8

Function: Hearing and balance
Classification: Sensory

Question 9

Glossopharyngeal nerve (CN IX)

Answer 9

Function: Taste (posterior 1/3 of the tongue), sensation in the pharynx, swallowing, parotid gland secretion
Classification: Both Sensory, Motor, and Parasympathetic

Question 10

Vagus nerve (CN X)

Answer 10

Function: Sensation from the throat, voice box, and abdominal organs; motor control for swallowing, speech, and cardiac, respiratory, and digestive regulation
Classification: Both Sensory, Motor, and Parasympathetic

Question 11

Accessory nerve (CN XI)

Answer 11

Function: Shoulder and neck muscles (sternocleidomastoid and trapezius muscles)
Classification: Motor

Question 12

Hypoglossal nerve (CN XII)

Answer 12

Function: Tongue movement
Classification: Motor