Neuron Anatomy and Cranial Nerves

Vocabulary practice flashcards covering the components of a neuron and the names, Roman numerals, and functions of the twelve cranial nerves.

Dendrites

Structures that carry signals to the cell body.

Cell Body

The part of the neuron that contains the nucleus.

Nucleus

The control center of the cell.

Axon

A structure that generates impulses and carries them away from the cell body.

Myelin Sheath

Coiled membranes that enclose the axon and help it send signals faster.

Axon Terminal

End branches of the axon of motor neurons that interact with the neuromuscular junction.

Cranial Nerve I (Olfactory)

Sensory cranial nerve responsible for smell.

Cranial Nerve II (Optic)

Sensory cranial nerve responsible for visual acuity.

Cranial Nerve III (Oculomotor)

Motor cranial nerve responsible for eye movement and pupil dilation.

Cranial Nerve IV (Trochlear)

Motor cranial nerve responsible for vertical eye movement.

Cranial Nerve V (Trigeminal)

Cranial nerve responsible for sensory facial sensation and motor facial expression.

Cranial Nerve VI (Abducens)

Motor cranial nerve responsible for lateral eye movement.

Cranial Nerve VII (Facial)

Cranial nerve responsible for sensory taste and motor facial expression.

Cranial Nerve VIII (Vestibulocochlear)

Sensory cranial nerve responsible for hearing and balance.

Cranial Nerve IX (Glossopharyngeal)

Cranial nerve responsible for tongue movement and taste.

Cranial Nerve X (Vagus)

Cranial nerve responsible for sensation in the throat and visceral muscles (sensory), and the vocal cords and peristalsis (motor).

Cranial Nerve XI (Accessory)

Motor cranial nerve responsible for head and shoulder movement.

Cranial Nerve XII (Hypoglossal)

Motor cranial nerve responsible for tongue movement.