The Peripheral Nervous System

Olfactory I function

sense of smell

Optic II function

transmits visual stimuli

Oculomotor III function

moves the eyeball, opens the eye, constricts the pupil, changes the lens shape

Trochlear IV function

moves the eye medially and inferiorly

Abducens VI function

abducts gaze when eye moves laterally

Trigeminal V function

detects facial sensation like oral and nasal cavities, elevates the mandible during mastication and swallowing

Facial VII function

senses taste in the anterior two-thirds of the tongue, somatic sensation from external ear, palate, and nasal cavity.

innervates the muscles of facial expression and secretes from certain facial glands like lacrimal and nasal mucous.

Vestibulocochlear VIII function

balance, equilibrium, and the sense of hearing

Glossopharyngeal IX function

senses taste in the one-third of the tongue, sensation for posterior pharynx

Vagus X function

digestion, heart rate, and respiratory rate pathway between parts of the body

Accessory XI function

innervates certain muscles of speech, and moves the head and shoulder

Hypoglossal XII function

innervates the muscles of the tongue