Cranial Nerves Memorization Guide

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1. Olfactory

2. Optic

3. Oculomotor

4. Trochlear

5. Trigeminal

6. Abducens

7. Facial

8. Vestibulocochlear

9. Glossopharyngeal

10. Vagus

11. Abducens

12. Hypoglossal

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1. Sensory

2. Sensory

3. Motor

4. Motor

5. Both

6. Motor

7. Both

8. Sensory

9. Both

10. Both

11. Motor

12. Motor

CN I

Olfactory nerve

• Sensory

• Provides sense of smell

CN II

Optic nerve

• Sensory

• Provides vision

CN III

Oculomotor nerve

• Motor

• Controls opening and moving eyes, adjusting pupil width

CN IV

Trochlear nerve

• Motor

• Controls eyes for looking down, moving eyes toward/away from nose

CN V

Trigeminal nerve

• Both (motor AND sensory)

• Sensation in eyes, face, and inside mouth

• Controls chewing motion

CN VI

Abducens nerve

• Motor

• Controls moving eyes from left to right

CN VII

Facial nerve

• Both (motor AND sensory)

• Provides part of sense of taste

• Controls facial muscles for expressions

CN VIII

Vestibulocochlear nerve

• Sensory

• Provides senses of hearing and balance

CN IX

Glossopharyngeal nerve

• Both (motor AND sensory)

• Provides part of sense of taste

• Controls swallowing muscles; involved in parasympathetic regulation of blood pressure and saliva production

CN X

Vagus nerve

• Both (motor AND sensory)

• Regulates parasympathetic system (main nerve)

  • Digestion

  • Blood pressure

  • Heart rate

  • Breathing

  • Mood

  • Saliva production

  • …

CN XI

(Spinal) accessory nerve

• Motor

• Controls shoulder and neck movement

CN XII

Hypoglossal nerve

• Motor

• Controls tongue movement (speaking, eating, swallowing)