Week 4: Cranial Nerves*

These flashcards are designed to help students review the key concepts, functions, and anatomy of cranial nerves as outlined in the lecture notes.

Cranial Nerves

A set of twelve pairs of nerves that originate from the brain, primarily innervating the head and neck.

Olfactory Nerve (CN I)

Responsible for the sense of smell and originates in the olfactory epithelium.

Optic Nerve (CN II)

Responsible for vision by carrying visual information from the eyes to the brain.

Oculomotor Nerve (CN III)

Controls most eye movements and adjusts pupil size.

Trochlear Nerve (CN IV)

Controls the superior oblique muscle of the eye for downward and inward movements.

Trigeminal Nerve (CN V)

The largest cranial nerve, responsible for facial sensation and muscle control in chewing.

Abducens Nerve (CN VI)

Controls the lateral rectus muscle of the eye to facilitate outward movement.

Facial Nerve (CN VII)

Involved in facial movements, taste from the front two-thirds of the tongue, and secretion of saliva.

Vestibulocochlear Nerve (CN VIII)

Responsible for hearing and balance.

Glossopharyngeal Nerve (CN IX)

Involved in taste from the posterior one-third of the tongue and muscles in swallowing.

Vagus Nerve (CN X)

Controls heart rate and digestion; has a wide range of functions including sensory and motor innervation.

Accessory Nerve (CN XI)

Controls the sternocleidomastoid and trapezius muscles for head and shoulder movements.

Hypoglossal Nerve (CN XII)

Controls muscles of the tongue, facilitating speech and swallowing.

Mixed Nerve

A nerve containing both sensory and motor fibers.

Sensory Nerve

A nerve that transmits sensory information to the brain.

Motor Nerve

A nerve that carries signals to muscles for movement.

Roman Numerals

System used to label cranial nerves based on their position in the brain.

Cranial Nerve Examination

A clinical assessment method to evaluate the function of cranial nerves.

Nerve Functions

Cranial nerves perform various roles including sensory perception, muscle control, and autonomic functions.

Innervation

The supply of nerves to a specific body part.

Cranial Nerve Mnemonics

Mnemonic devices used to help remember the order and names of cranial nerves.