Anatomy Cranial Nerves of the Peripheral Nervous System

olfactory nerve

(sensory) sends scent info from nose → brain

optic nerve

(sensory) sends visual info from eyes → brain

oculomotor nerve

(motor) controls movement of 4 out of 6 eye muscles as well as the pupils’ response to light

trochlear nerve

(motor) controls movement for an eye muscle

trigeminal nerve

(both) the largest nerve that has 3 main branches that intervate the face and jaw muscles

abducens nerves

(motor) controls movement for an eye muscle

facial nerve

(both) operates muscles for most facial expressions, taste buds, salivating, blinking, and sends info from outer ear → brain

vestibularcochlear nere

(sensory) sends auditory info from cochlea → brain; key for hearing and balance

glosopharyngeal nerve

(both) sensation, taste, swallowing, and sends sensory info from sinuses → brain

vagus nerve

(both) the longest nerve as it extends all the way into the abdomen; mainly controls the heart and digestive tract

accessory nerve

(motor) controls muscles in neck

hypoglossal nerve

(motor) controls most muscles in tounge so we can swallow and talk