Anatomy: Cranial Nerves I–XII, Functions and Mnemonics

I - Olfactory

Sensory impulses from nose for sense of smell.

II - Optic

Sensory impulses from eye for vision.

III - Oculomotor

Motor impulses to eye muscles for movements of the eyes.

IV - Continuing education

Motor impulses to eye muscles for movements of the eyes.

V - Trigeminal

Sensory impulses from face, scalp, and teeth; motor impulses to temporal and masseter muscles for closing the mandible, as when chewing.

6 - Abducting

Motor impulses to eye muscles for abduction of the eyes.

VII - Facial

Sensory impulses from some taste buds of tongue; motor impulses to muscles controlling facial expressions like frowning, smiling, etc.

8 - Vestibulocochlear

Sensory impulses from ear for senses of both hearing and balance.

IX - Glossopharyngeal

Sensory impulses from throat and some taste buds at the back of the tongue (salty); motor impulses to muscles of throat for swallowing and to salivary glands.

X - Vagus

Sensory impulses from throat, larynx, thoracic and abdominal organs; motor impulses to stimulate digestive organs, to slow heart rate, to cough, and to swallow.

XI - Accessory

Motor impulses to trapezius and sternocleidomastoid muscles of the neck and upper shoulder for shoulder movements and movements of the head.

XII - Hypoglossal

Motor impulses to muscles of the tongue for most tongue movements.

Names of Cranial Nerves - Mnemonic

"On Occasion, Our Trusty Truck Acts Funny - Very Good Vehicle Anyhow."

Sensory, Motor, or Both - Mnemonic

"Some Say Marilyn Monroe, But My Brother Says Brigitte Bardot, My, My!"