Cranial Nerves

12 cranial nerves and their basic functions

Olfactory Nerve (I)

Sensory nerve responsible for smell, located in the nasal cavity, detects odors and sends information to the brain.

Optic Nerve (II)

Sensory nerve that carries visual information from the retina to the brain.

Oculomotor Nerve (III)

Motor nerve that controls most of the eye's movements, pupil constriction, and adjusts lens focus.

Trochlear Nerve (IV)

Motor nerve that controls the superior oblique muscle for downward and lateral eye movement.

Trigeminal Nerve (V)

Both sensory and motor nerve, the largest cranial nerve with three branches that manage facial sensation and chewing.

Abducens Nerve (VI)

Motor nerve that controls the lateral rectus muscle for lateral eye movement.

Facial Nerve (VII)

Both sensory and motor nerve that manages facial expressions, taste from the front two-thirds of the tongue, and salivary and tear production.

Vestibulocochlear Nerve (VIII)

Sensory nerve responsible for hearing and balance, with vestibular and cochlear branches.

Glossopharyngeal Nerve (IX)

Both sensory and motor nerve that detects taste from the back one-third of the tongue and aids in swallowing and saliva production.

Vagus Nerve (X)

Both sensory and motor nerve responsible for autonomic control of heart, lungs, digestion, and speech, extending beyond the head and neck.

Accessory Nerve (XI)

Motor nerve that controls the sternocleidomastoid and trapezius muscles for neck and shoulder movement.

Hypoglossal Nerve (XII)

Motor nerve that controls the muscles of the tongue for speech and swallowing.