Cranial Nerves

CN I

Olfactory

Sensory nerve responsible for the sense of smell

CN II

Optic

Sensory nerve responsible for vision

CN III

Oculomotor

Motor nerve controlling most eye movements, pupil constriction, and eyelid elevation

CN IV

Trochlear

Motor nerve that controls the superior oblique muscle, aiding in downward and inward eye movement

CN V

Trigeminal

The largest cranial nerve; It is a mixed nerve that controls facial sensations and chewing muscles

CN VI

Abducens

Motor nerve controlling the lateral rectus muscle, responsible for outward eye movement

CN VII

Facial

Mixed nerve responsible for facial expressions and taste sensation on the anterior two-thirds of the tongue

CN VIII

Vestibulocochlear

Sensory nerve responsible for hearing and balance

CN IX

Glossopharyngeal

Mixed nerve involved in swallowing, saliva production, and taste from the posterior one-third of the tongue

CN X

Vagus

A far-reaching mixed nerve that controls heart rate, breathing, digestion, and sensations in the throat

CN XI

Accessory

Motor nerve that controls the neck and shoulder muscles, enabling head movement

CN XII

Hypoglossal

Motor nerve that manages tongue movements required for speech and swallowing

What’s a mnemonic for the cranial nerves?

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What’s a mnemonic for the type of cranial nerve?

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